Many people have been told that they have cancer, but conventional treatment is not yet close to curing it. This has led to people searching for alternative solutions to treat their illness, which have resulted in a number of different medicines and natural remedies gaining traction on social media. One of the most popular stories is that dog dewormer cures cancer, based on the case of Joe Tippens, an Oklahoma man who claims to have beat late-stage lung cancer using a regimen consisting of the low-cost dog deworming medication fenbendazole (also known as Panacur C).
A veterinary medicine used to remove intestinal parasites in dogs and cats, fenbendazole is well-known for its effectiveness in laboratory animal experiments. When used on rodents, the drug prevents tumor growth by interfering with the formation of microtubules, which are required for cellular structure and other important tasks. Because of this, scientists have begun to explore the possibility that fenbendazole might also be able to prevent and cure cancer in humans.
Some peer-reviewed studies have found potential in fenbendazole treating cancer, but the research is still very early. As a result, the National Cancer Institute and the Food and Drug Administration have not approved the drug for use in human patients. Still, anecdotal reports of fenbendazole being used to cure cancer have gained significant traction on social media, with some postings receiving millions of views.
This trend began with anecdotal posts on social media by Joe Tippens, who says he was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in 2016 and was given three months to live. He says he decided to fight for his life, so he combed the internet for approaches outside of mainstream medicine. He ended up starting a regimen of fenbendazole, CBD oil, and mega doses of vitamin E.
Several websites and TikTok videos have been created about the story of Tippens, with some claiming that he is the first person to have successfully used a dog dewormer for cancer. According to these reports, people should look for signs of cancer in their pet, including unexplained weight loss or gain, a lump or bump, unusual bleeding, abnormal discharge from the eyes or nose, and a change in behavior.
Although the symptoms of cancer are similar in people and pets, it is important to always consult a medical professional before changing any diet or medication. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with self-medication, especially when it comes to repurposing a veterinary medicine as an anticancer agent. Aside from the fact that it is illegal in most states, it can be extremely dangerous if not properly administered, and may cause serious side effects. In addition, it is difficult to determine the appropriate dosage for fenbendazole for cancer in humans, as the dosages recommended by veterinarians can vary widely. It is also possible to contaminate a clinical trial by administering a dog dewormer for cancer without the permission of the researchers involved in the study.