When Science Meets Courage: One Man’s Path To Remission

This article discusses a published case report of a person who has large B-cell lymphoma who went into remission after taking fenbendazole.

Introduction
In December 2019, a unique case reported in the Annals of Hematology and Oncology caught the attention of doctors and researchers.

It involved an 83-year-old man who experienced unexpected improvements in his cancer after using a medication meant for pets. While this story is intriguing, it also raises important questions about the complexities of cancer treatment and the need for scientific rigor.

Let’s break down what happened—and why experts are cautiously proceeding.

Diffuse Large cell B-Lymphoma Diagnosis

The patient initially went to the doctor complaining of heartburn, trouble swallowing, and fatigue.

To investigate, doctors performed an Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), a procedure that uses a camera to examine the digestive tract. They found a small ulcer in his duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).

A biopsy of the ulcer revealed something startling: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a fast-growing type of blood cancer. Further testing classified it as the “germinal center B-cell (GCB) subtype,” which refers to the origin of the cancer cells.

Advanced genetic testing (FISH) showed no abnormalities in three genes (c-MYC, BCL2, BCL6) often linked to aggressive lymphomas.

A PET/CT scan—an imaging tool that highlights areas of high metabolic activity, like cancer—showed the disease had spread to his stomach, lymph nodes, and lungs.

He was diagnosed with Stage IVa DLBCL, meaning the cancer was widespread.

Enter Fenbendazole

Standard treatment for DLBCL involves chemotherapy, which can be harsh—especially for elderly patients.

The man declined chemotherapy due to concerns about side effects like nausea, fatigue, or weakened immunity. Instead, he turned to fenbendazole, a drug typically used to treat parasites in animals.

Fenbendazole is not approved for human cancer treatment, but the patient began taking it daily after researching its potential anticancer effects online.

Over six months, he adjusted his dose (1–6 pills daily) based on how he felt, eventually reducing it due to peripheral neuropathy—tingling and numbness in his hands and feet, a known side effect of some medications.

Unexpected Improvements

Despite skipping conventional therapy, follow-up scans told a surprising story:

• Six months later, A CT scan showed shrinking lymph nodes.

• Eight months later, A PET/CT scan confirmed reduced cancer activity.
• Eleven months later: After tapering to just three fenbendazole pills weekly, his scans showed even more improvement, with no new tumors.

While these results seem promising, doctors emphasized that this is a single case—not proof that fenbendazole works.

Cancer can sometimes regress spontaneously, and other factors (like lifestyle changes) could play a role.

Why Are Experts Cautious?

1. Fenbendazole’s Unknown Role: This drug has not been rigorously tested in humans for cancer. Anecdotal reports and lab studies suggest it might disrupt cancer cell growth, but there’s no clinical evidence yet.
2. Risks of Self-Treatment: The patient experienced neuropathy, likely from high doses. Self-medicating without medical oversight can be dangerous.
3. The “Stage IV” Mystery: DLBCL is aggressive, and spontaneous remission is rare. More research is needed to understand why this case progressed as it did.

The Bigger Picture

This case highlights the importance of balancing hope with skepticism. While the man’s outcome is remarkable, abandoning proven therapies is not a green light. Instead, it underscores the need for:

• Clinical Trials: To test fenbendazole’s safety and effectiveness in humans.
• Open Dialogue: Patients should always discuss alternative therapies with their doctors.
• Personalized Care: Age, health status, and patient preferences matter in treatment decisions.

Conclusion

The 83-year-old’s story is a medical curiosity—one that reminds us how much we still have to learn about cancer. While fenbendazole’s role remains unclear, this case may inspire future research.

Doctors stress that chemotherapy and immunotherapy remain the gold standard for DLBCL. As for fenbendazole, the lesson is simple: Talk to your doctor before trying anything new, even if it works for pets.

Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your treatment plan. This article is for informational purposes only and does not endorse self-treatment.