Ivermectin in Oncology

Ivermectin is an FDA-approved drug primarily used to treat parasitic infections caused by worms, such as intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis (river blindness). It is also prescribed as a topical treatment for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea.

Research shows that Ivermectin can kill various cancer cells in the lab, including breast, ovarian, prostate, colorectal, brain, renal, leukemia, and lung cancer cells. Its effectiveness is attributed to its function as a strong ionophore, particularly its ability to disrupt ion dynamics across cell membranes by influencing chloride ion channels. This disruption interferes with the rapid growth and metabolism of cancer cells, ultimately leading to their death. But Ivermectin does more:

Triggers immunogenic cell death: This process alerts the immune system to target and eliminate remaining cancer cells.

Inhibits cancer stem cells: These cells are thought to drive tumor growth and recurrence.

Suppresses angiogenesis: This process involves inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels that supply tumors with nutrients.

inhibits Wnt/β-catenin: A key pathway in cancer stem cell (CSC) maintenance and metastasis; ivermectin blocks its activation. 

blocks P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a major efflux transporter responsible for multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells. This increases intracellular accumulation of chemotherapeutic drugs or cytotoxic substances such as artemisinin/artesunate.

Research on the use of Ivermectin in human cancer cases is still limited, but there are promising case reports: One study reported on three patients with advanced cancer who experienced symptom relief and tumor marker reduction after adding low-dose Ivermectin to their treatment regimen. Another study observed benefits in pediatric patients with refractory AML who received a daily dose of 1 mg/kg for six months without significant side effects.

The optimal dosage for Ivermectin in oncology is unknown. However, based on current research and observations, a daily dose of 0.6 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg, taken once daily with food, is suggested. The specific regimen may involve cycles of 5 days on, 2 days off, or 20 days on, 10 days off, depending on the cancer's activity and individual response.

Ivermectin generally has a good safety profile, even at higher doses than traditionally used for parasitic infections. However, it is crucial to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it under medical supervision to monitor for potential side effects. It's essential to note that safety data on higher doses administered over extended periods is still limited and requires further research. Serious neurological events in humans are rare but do occur {ref}.

Consult with a qualified healthcare professional to discuss the potential benefits and risks of Ivermectin in the context of your specific situation. 

References

Chen, I-Shan & Kubo, Yoshihiro. (2017). Ivermectin and its target molecules: shared and unique modulation mechanisms of ion channels and receptors by ivermectin. The Journal of Physiology. 596. 10.1113/JP275236. 

Akhtar, Ayesha & Mazumdar, Nasreen & Inam, Afreen. (2023). Toxicology, Safety, and Environmental Aspects of Ivermectin. 10.1002/9781394168033.ch11. 

Lotfalizadeh, Narges & Gharib, Arian & Hajjafari, Ashkan & Borji, Hassan & Bayat, Zeynab. (2022). Anticancer Potential of Ivermectin: Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Implications. Journal of Lab Animal Research. 1. 52-59. 10.58803/jlar.v1i1.11. 

Tang, Mingyang & Hu, Xiaodong & Wang, Yi & Yao, Xin & Zhang, Wei & Yu, Chenying & Cheng, Fuying & Li, Jiangyan & Fang, Qiang. (2020). Ivermectin, a potential anticancer drug derived from an antiparasitic drug. Pharmacological research. 163. 105207. 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105207. 

Hu, B & Tan, H & Yu, L & Liao, Q & Guo, W. (2022). Repurposing Ivermectin to augment chemotherapy’s efficacy in osteosarcoma. Human & Experimental Toxicology. 41. 096032712211436. 10.1177/09603271221143693. 

synergism between ivermectin and doxorubicin in in vivo osteosarcoma model.

D, MITRA & Patil, Pandurang & S, KUMARI & Ettaboina, Santhosh & N, Saini & Gs, Thenmozhli & Kp, Ahsan. (2022). IVERMECTIN AS A POTENTIAL DRUG IN INHIBITING COLORECTAL CANCER CELL GROWTH. 11. 4866-4874. 10.31032/IJBPAS/2021/11.10.6514. 

Liu, Jian & Zhang, Kun & Cheng, Lin & Zhu, He & Xu, Tianmin. (2020). Progress in Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Antitumour Effects of Ivermectin. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. 14. 285-296. 10.2147/DDDT.S237393. 

Singhal, Shipra & Maheshwari, Priyal & Krishnamurthy, Praveen & Patil, Vaishali. (2022). Drug Repurposing Strategies for Non-Cancer to Cancer Therapeutics. Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry. 22. 10.2174/1871520622666220317140557. 

IVM synergistic combinations