An interesting discovery has emerged in the cancer world: fenben for humans might be able to curb the growth of rogue cells that often lead to tumors. This medication, which is commonly used in veterinarians’ offices to treat parasites such as hookworms, whipworms, and roundworms (common brand names include Pancur and Safe-Guard), is being studied by human patients who are using it as part of a method known as the Joe Tippens Protocol.

As a result of this case, researchers at the University of Colorado are now conducting comprehensive clinical trials on fenbendazole for humans to see how it might be able to help them cure their cancers. Those studies are expected to begin in 2020 and last three years.

In previous work, benzimidazole agents like fenbendazole have been shown to act as anthelmintics, but they also exhibit cytotoxic and cytostatic effects against malignant cells. The research team has found that fenbendazole alters glucose uptake and impairs the activity of the enzyme HKII in human NSCLC cells. They conducted a glucose oxidation assay and observed that the cellular uptake of fluorescent glucose analogue 2-NBDG was inhibited after treatment with FZ, and this was also reflected in lowered lactate levels in culture supernatants.

The research team’s luciferase assay results confirmed that fenbendazole inhibits the proliferation of human NSCLC cells by binding to HKII and blocking its enzymatic activity. This mechanism of action differs from other anti-cancer drugs, which rely on P-glycoprotein pumps to expel cancer cells before they can exert their effects.