Mebendazole Saves Man From Deadly Colon Cancer When Chemo Fails

This article discusses a case report of a man who took mebendazole to treat chemotherapy-resistant metastatic colon cancer—and survived.

Introduction

In an unexpected twist, a 74-year-old man with advanced colon cancer experienced remarkable improvement after taking a medication typically used to treat parasitic worms.

This fascinating case, reported in Acta Oncologica (2014), highlights the innovative concept of “drug repositioning“—using existing medications for new purposes—and offers hope for future cancer treatments.

The Patient’s Journey
In 2011, the man underwent emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction, which revealed advanced colon cancer. Despite removing the tumor, scans showed the cancer had already spread to his lungs and lymph nodes.

He began palliative chemotherapy—treatment aimed at slowing the disease, not curing it—using a trio of drugs: capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab.

Initially, the tumors shrank (“partial remission”), but by 2012, the cancer began growing again. His team tried different drug combinations, but side effects (like nerve damage from oxaliplatin) forced them to stop.

By March 2013, the cancer worsened further, with new liver tumors up to 8 cm wide. With no standard options left, doctors proposed an unconventional solution: mebendazole, a cheap, widely used deworming pill.

Why Mebendazole?
Mebendazole kills intestinal parasites by disrupting their cell structure. However, recent lab studies suggested that it might also block cancer cell growth. Inspired by these findings—and a prior case in which mebendazole helped a patient with adrenal cancer—the team decided to try it.

The patient started taking mebendazole 100 mg twice daily.

Remarkably, six weeks later, scans showed a near-complete disappearance of lung and lymph node tumors and significant shrinkage of liver metastases. Even his doctors were stunned.

A Bump in the Road

The treatment wasn’t flawless. Blood tests revealed elevated liver enzymes (a sign of liver stress), prompting a brief pause and a lower dose (50 mg twice daily).

Over time, his liver improved, and the cancer remained stable. By the report’s publication, he was on a “drug holiday,” awaiting further scans.

What This Means

Drug Repositioning Wins

This case underscores the potential of repurposing old drugs. Mebendazole is safe, affordable, and globally accessible—making it an exciting candidate for further study.

Caution Is Key

While promising, this is one patient’s story. Larger trials are needed to confirm if mebendazole works broadly and to determine optimal doses.

Hope for Tough Cancers

The patient’s cancer had a KRAS mutation, a genetic change that often resists therapies.

Mebendazole’s success here could open doors for others with similar hard-to-treat cancers.

The Bigger Picture

Drug development is slow and costly. Repositioning existing medications—like mebendazole for cancer or aspirin for heart disease—could speed up the development of new treatments.

However, researchers must balance enthusiasm with careful science. One oncologist noted, “This isn’t a cure, but it’s a clue worth chasing.”

Final Thoughts

While the patient’s turnaround is extraordinary, experts stress that mebendazole is not yet a proven cancer treatment.

Self-medicating could be dangerous, and patients should consult their doctors. Still, this case is a beacon of creativity in oncology, proving that sometimes, answers hide in plain sight—even on the pharmacy shelf.

Science continues to explore, one surprising discovery at a time. 🌟

Follow trusted medical sources or consult your healthcare provider for updates on cancer research breakthroughs.

Note: This article simplifies a complex medical case. Always seek professional advice for health decisions.

Glossary

• KRAS mutation: A genetic change in some cancers that makes them aggressive and hard to treat.
• Palliative chemotherapy: Therapy focused on prolonging life and easing symptoms, not curing disease.
• Drug repositioning: Using an approved medication for a new medical purpose.
• Partial remission: When tumors shrink but don’t fully disappear.