Fenbendazole (Panacur, Safe-Guard) is a broad spectrum benzimidazole antihelmintic that has been shown to inhibit parasites, including intestinal helminths and lungworms. In addition, it has been shown to have tumor growth inhibitory effects in animal studies. These findings have prompted further research to determine whether fenbendazole might be used as an effective treatment for pancreatic cancer, which is known to have poor survival rates.
In a cell culture study, fenbendazole was found to inhibit the proliferation of unirradiated pancreatic cancer cells and to induce cell death by blocking the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation pathway. This effect was enhanced by hypoxia, which is created by sealing glass culture bottles with rubber gaskets, inserting needles for influx and efflux of gases, and by gassing the cultures with a humidified mixture of 95% nitrogen/5% carbon dioxide, containing 1 ppm oxygen (4,5).
Animal studies have also found that fenbendazole can reduce tumor size and vascularity in mice. However, the results from these studies have not been replicated in human trials. The authors report the results from a focus group interview with 21 lung cancer patients who were informed about fenbendazole, asking them to discuss their opinions regarding the information they had received. The interviews were conducted by a professional moderator. The majority of patients, 13 men and eight women, had stage one to four lung cancer. The participants were in their 50s, and the average age was 57. Most patients had received information about fenbendazole through TV, acquaintances, and the Internet. fenbendazole capsules