Can ivermectin be used to treat cancer?
While ivermectin is a proven treatment for parasitic infections, it is not approved by any regulatory body for cancer treatment. Although some laboratory studies suggest it may inhibit cancer cell growth, there is currently no evidence of its efficacy or safety in human cancer patients.
Why it matters
This clarifies medical misinformation regarding alternative cancer treatments, emphasizing the critical distinction between preliminary lab research and clinical human application.
It is used to treat and prevent some infections caused by parasites and worms.
Long ago, it was first developed to treat parasites, worms and mites in animals.
These include livestock like cattle and horses, and household pets like dogs and cats.
You can see it in the heartworm medicine that you use for dogs.
The diseases of strongyloidiasis, which are intestinal threadworms, and onchocerciasis (river blindness, which is not common in Malaysia, but more usually seen in sub-Saharan Africa and some parts of South America).
Ivermectin is also formulated as creams that can be used to treat lice on your head and skin diseases on your face such as rosacea.
It is not approved by any country’s regulatory body to treat any form of cancer, and that includes Malaysia, the United States, Britain and Singapore.
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