Fenben is an anti-helmintic drug commonly used in livestock to kill parasites, primarily nematodes such as worms, tapeworms and roundworms. The chemical is also widely sold in pet stores as a preventative treatment for fleas, ticks and mites. The compound is known to be well-tolerated by animals, humans included, with a low absorption rate and a low degree of toxicity. Moreover, the chemical is metabolized in the liver and excreted mainly via feces and urine.
Researchers have recently discovered that fenbendazole (FZ) has potent anti-neoplastic activity in human cancer cells. In lab experiments, fenbendazole caused disruption of microtubules and activation of the p53 tumour suppressor gene in the cell. It also inhibited glucose uptake and expression of GLUT transporters in cancer cells, and depleted glucose energy by impairing hexokinase II (HK II) enzymatic activity. This led to apoptosis exclusively in actively growing cancer cells with low confluency.
To investigate the effects of fenbendazole on human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, researchers treated them with increasing concentrations of the drug. They observed a steep decrease in cell viability at low drug doses, which then plateaued as the concentration increased. They found that the drug alters hexokinase II in NSCLC cells by stably binding to its pocket and inhibiting the enzymatic activity of this enzyme. They also observed that the drug disrupts the microtubule network around the nucleus, which leads to cell death.
Another way fenben works is by binding to tubulin. It is able to interact with the same site on tubulin that the vinca alkaloids do. The resulting interaction causes tubulin to become unstable and cause the spindle apparatus to break down. In addition, fenbendazole blocks the growth of new cellular material, leading to apoptosis.
Lastly, fenbendazole interacts with the mitochondria and inhibits cell division by blocking the formation of cyclin D. This is an important part of the cell cycle process that regulates cellular proliferation. Cancer cells divide rapidly, and if they are not stopped in the early phases of the cell cycle, they will continue to grow and multiply.
The results of the research suggest that fenbendazole is a promising candidate for further study as an anti-neoplastic agent. Its multitargeted actions may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs such as radiation, surgery, berberine and sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) in fighting cancer.
Joe Tippens claims that fenbendazole can cure cancer, but his claim is unsupported by scientific evidence. Tippens’ claim has gone viral online, but has not been subject to unbiased clinical trials. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration told PolitiFact that there is no proof that fenbendazole can treat or cure cancer. However, the FDA is investigating other alternative treatments that might be effective against cancer. The nonprofit organization Cancer Research UK warned that fenbendazole isn’t safe or effective for treating cancer. It’s important to consult your physician before starting any new treatment regimen. fenben for humans