Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug, has shown potential anticancer effects in preclinical studies for prostate cancer, but evidence in humans is limited and inconclusive. Here’s a concise overview based on available research:
Preclinical Studies
- Mechanisms: Ivermectin inhibits prostate cancer cell growth by targeting key pathways:
- FOXA1 and Ku70/Ku80: Ivermectin binds to forkhead box protein A1 (FOXA1) and DNA repair proteins Ku70/Ku80, reducing androgen receptor (AR) signaling, inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and apoptosis. It impairs non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR) repair, triggering synthetic lethality in AR-positive cells.https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.19.476914v1https://www.nature.com/articles/s41419-022-05182-0
- HSP27 Inhibition: Ivermectin promotes AR degradation by targeting heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), potentially overcoming resistance to anti-androgen therapies like enzalutamide.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6994194/
- PAK1 Pathway: As a PAK1 inhibitor, ivermectin suppresses proliferation and metastasis by downregulating MEK/ERK signaling.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7505114/
- Cell Lines: Studies show ivermectin reduces viability in AR-positive (LNCaP, C4-2, 22RV1) and AR-negative (DU145, PC-3) prostate cancer cell lines, with higher IC50 in non-tumorigenic cells, suggesting selectivity.https://www.researchgate.net/figure/ermectin-inhibited-prostate-cancer-cell-viability-Cell-viability-was-measured-by-the-MTT_fig1_363193859
- In Vivo: Ivermectin suppressed 22RV1 xenograft tumor growth in mice, indicating potential efficacy.https://www.nature.com/articles/s41419-022-05182-0
Human Studies
- Limited Evidence: No robust clinical trials confirm ivermectin’s efficacy for prostate cancer in humans. A small study in Loja, Ecuador, reported that 18.75% of cancer patients (including prostate cancer) used ivermectin as an alternative therapy alongside conventional treatments, but outcomes were not rigorously evaluated, and medical experts cautioned against its use without further research.https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4403/13/1/30
- Anecdotal Claims: Posts on X describe cases where patients with prostate cancer reported reduced PSA levels or undetectable cancer after using ivermectin (e.g., 12 mg/day for 8 weeks). These are unverified, lack control groups, and cannot be considered evidence.
Safety and Concerns
- Dosage: Preclinical studies used high doses (e.g., 10 mg/kg in mice), far exceeding human antiparasitic doses (200 mcg/kg). High doses in animals caused toxicity (e.g., ataxia, tremors). Human safety at anticancer doses is unestablished.https://healthunlocked.com/advanced-prostate-cancer/posts/148318508/%25EF%25BB%25BFstudy-reports-direct-targets-of-ivermectin-in-prostate-cancer
- No FDA Approval: Ivermectin is not approved for cancer treatment. Experts emphasize that preclinical results do not translate directly to humans, and self-medication is risky.https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-ivermectin-nih-cancer-cure-629592291079https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-using-eprinomectin-for-prostate-cancer/
- Misinformation: Claims on social media suggesting ivermectin as a “cure” for cancer are misleading. No data supports it as a standalone treatment.https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-ivermectin-nih-cancer-cure-629592291079
Current Status
- Research Stage: Ivermectin’s anticancer potential is promising in lab and animal models, but human clinical trials are needed to evaluate safety, dosing, and efficacy. Proposed next steps include in vitro studies on additional prostate cancer cell lines and molecular mechanism exploration.https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4403/13/1/30
- Expert Opinion: Oncologists and researchers, like Dr. Susanne Arnold, stress that while preclinical results are intriguing, no clinical trials have demonstrated success in humans. Patients should rely on standard treatments (e.g., hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or radiopharmaceuticals like 177Lu-PSMA-617).https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-ivermectin-nih-cancer-cure-629592291079https://www.mskcc.org/news/fda-approves-promising-therapy-advanced-prostate
Recommendation
If you’re considering ivermectin for prostate cancer, consult your oncologist. Standard treatments remain the evidence-based choice. Avoid self-medicating, as ivermectin’s safety and efficacy for cancer are unproven in humans. Stay updated on clinical trials, which may clarify its role in the future.
For further details, see:
- BioRxiv study on FOXA1/Ku70/Ku80 targets: https://www.biorxiv.org[](https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.19.476914v1)
- Cell Death & Disease article: https://www.nature.com[](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41419-022-05182-0)
- NCI’s prostate cancer resources: https://www.cancer.gov[](https://www.cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials-search/v?id=NCI-2022-02421)
