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| - Last Updated on February 12, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that ivermectin is the future of cancer treatment. We did the fact check and came to a conclusion that the claim is mostly false.
The Claim
A post shared on X claims that ivermectin has 15 anti-cancer mechanisms of action and is the future of cancer treatment. The post also suggests that extensive research supports these claims, positioning ivermectin as a breakthrough drug beyond its original use for parasitic infections.
Fact Check
Can ivermectin cure cancer?
No, ivermectin cannot cure cancer. There is no solid evidence from clinical trials to support this claim. While some lab and animal studies suggest that ivermectin may slow cancer cell growth or trigger cell death, these results do not guarantee it works in humans. For example, a 2020 study showed potential in lab settings, but we need more research to confirm its effectiveness and safety for cancer treatment.
Curing cancer is complex. Different types of cancer behave differently, and treatments often require a combination of therapies like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted drugs. Ivermectin has not shown the kind of consistent, reliable results needed to be considered a cancer cure in humans.
Has ivermectin been approved for cancer treatment?
No, ivermectin is not approved for cancer treatment anywhere in the world. Regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) have not approved ivermectin for cancer treatment.
Ivermectin is approved for treating parasitic infections like river blindness, scabies, and strongyloidiasis in humans. It’s also used in veterinary medicine for de-worming animals. Some false claims suggest that ivermectin causes infertility or works as a miracle cure for cancer, but there is no medical evidence to support these claims.
We reached out to Dr Pooja Khullar, Radiation Oncologist at Dharamshila Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, for an expert opinion. She explains, “No, ivermectin has not been approved for cancer treatment. While some early lab studies suggest it might affect cancer cells, these results don’t mean it works in humans. Approving a drug for cancer requires strong evidence from large clinical trials to prove it is both safe and effective. Ivermectin is only approved for treating certain parasitic infections, not cancer. Using it without proper medical guidance can be harmful and delay life-saving treatments. Always rely on treatments recommended by cancer specialists.”
On a related note, some claims suggest that bee venom can kill cancer cells within 30 minutes. However, like ivermectin, the evidence is still in the early stages and not proven in humans.
What do studies say about ivermectin and cancer?
Some early studies suggest potential, but there’s no strong evidence that ivermectin works against cancer in humans. Lab and animal studies, including a 2024 study, explored its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer effects. These studies suggest ivermectin might:
Slow cancer cell growth
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Disrupt pathways that help cancer cells survive
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Trigger cancer cell death (apoptosis)
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However, these are early-stage findings. Many substances show promise in labs but fail in human trials. No large, peer-reviewed studies confirm ivermectin’s effectiveness against cancer in humans. Researchers need to conduct more clinical trials, especially in humans, and experts strongly discourage self-medication.
Could using ivermectin for cancer be dangerous?
Yes, using ivermectin without medical supervision can be harmful. Ivermectin is safe when used correctly for its approved purposes. However, taking it in high doses or for unapproved conditions like cancer can cause serious side effects, including:
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
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Low blood pressure and dizziness
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Seizures and confusion
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Liver damage
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The FDA has warned against using ivermectin for COVID-19 and unapproved treatments, noting cases of poisoning due to misuse. Using it as a cancer treatment without evidence could delay proper care, worsening the disease.
For expert insight, we spoke with Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, a General Physician from Navi Mumbai. She says, “Using ivermectin for cancer outside of clinical trials can be risky—it hasn’t been proven safe or effective in human trials, and high doses can cause serious side effects like neurological toxicity. It may also delay proper cancer treatment, reducing the chances of recovery, and can interact dangerously with other medications. Although researchers are exploring its potential, ivermectin is not a safe or recommended cancer treatment. Patients should always consult an oncologist and rely on evidence-based therapies.”
THIP Media Take
The claim that ivermectin is the future of cancer treatment is mostly false. While early lab research suggests that ivermectin may have some effects on cancer cells, this does not mean it works as a treatment for humans. There is no clinical evidence supporting its use for cancer, and it is not approved for this purpose by any health authority. Using ivermectin in place of proven cancer treatments can be dangerous. Cancer patients should always consult healthcare professionals and rely on evidence-based therapies.
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