Can Antiparasitic Drug Fenbendazole Treat Pancreatic Cancer?

Health Line

13-06-2025

Antiparasitic drugs such as fenbendazole have caught the attention of researchers studying pancreatic cancer. In early studies, they have shown promise in inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, with low survival rates. This disease is known for its late stage diagnosis and limited treatment options. As a result, researchers are constantly looking for new approaches to manage it.
While several early studies have provided initial evidence suggesting that fenbendazole (Panacur, Safe-Guard) has potential in treating various types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer, further research is needed to determine its success and safety in human clinical trials.
Let's go over existing research and evidence surrounding the use of fenbendazole for pancreatic cancer.
What is fenbendazole?
Fenbendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic medication primarily used in veterinary medicine to treat animal gastrointestinal parasites. It belongs to the benzimidazole class of medications and is effective against various parasites, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and certain animal tapeworms.
While fenbendazole was initially formulated for veterinary use, preliminary research suggests that it may prevent cancer cell growth and induce cancer cell death.
Fenbendazole is a veterinary medication and has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cancer treatment in humans.
The use of fenbendazole for pancreatic cancer is still experimental, and more studies are needed to determine its success and safety in humans.
Fenbendazole for pancreatic cancer
Although there's limited research specifically focused on fenbendazole for pancreatic cancer, several studies have explored its anticancer properties in general. But the research is still in its early stages, and more research, including clinical trials, is needed to determine its success and safety in people with pancreatic cancer.
Microtubule disruptor
While the exact mechanisms behind fenbendazole's potential anticancer effects are still being studied, researchers suggest that fenbendazole may disrupt microtubules, which are structures involved in cell division and growth.
Mebendazole
Various studies are exploring another anthelmintic medication, this one formulated for humans, called mebendazole for its potential anticancer properties. While mebendazole belongs to the same class of medications as fenbendazole and may share some similarities in their potential anticancer properties, they aren't the same.
A 2022 study highlighted the potential of mebendazole in combination with the targeted therapy drug bevacizumab for treating advanced colorectal cancer. Although this study focused on colorectal cancer, the findings suggest that mebendazole's anticancer activity extends to other types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer.
If you're considering fenbendazole or mebendazole for pancreatic cancer treatment, consider speaking with a healthcare professional who can guide you on the most appropriate treatment based on your condition.
Fenbendazole cancer clinical trials
Currently, limited information is available about ongoing clinical trials specifically investigating the use of fenbendazole in cancer treatment. Most research on fenbendazole's potential anticancer effects has been preclinical or observational studies in animal models and cell cultures.
Although these studies have shown promising results, the available evidence is still at its early stages, and more long-term research, including clinical trials, is needed to determine the safety and success of fenbendazole as a therapeutic option for cancer treatment.
The goals of these clinical trials would be to determine the appropriate dosage and treatment regimen of fenbendazole for different types of cancer, assess its success compared with standard treatments, and test its safety in people with pancreatic cancer.
What are the most successful treatments for pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a challenging disease to treat, and treatment options can vary depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer.
But some of the most successful treatments for pancreatic cancer include:
Surgery
Surgical intervention is vital in treating pancreatic cancer, particularly for localized tumors. Surgery aims to remove the tumor and any affected surrounding tissue. A doctor may perform various surgical procedures based on the extent of the disease.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It can be used before surgery, after surgery, or as palliative treatment to improve quality of life and relieve symptoms.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy cancer cells or hinder their growth. It can be administered before or after surgery or as the primary treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer.
Common chemotherapy drugs for pancreatic cancer may include gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. It involves medications that activate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. While still being explored in clinical trials, immunotherapy has shown promise as a treatment option for certain types of pancreatic cancer.
Palliative care
This focuses on improving the quality of life for people with advanced pancreatic cancer. It aims to alleviate various symptoms and support the management of emotional and psychological challenges. It can also be given alongside curative treatments.