In a recent podcast episode, Mel Gibson announced that three of his friends effectively treated their advanced cancer with ivermectin and fenbendazole, commonly used anti-parasitic drugs for animals.
The claims, shared with host Joe Rogan, sparked a blend of skepticism and caution among the medical community due to their unproven nature, Daily Mail repported.
During the "Joe Rogan Experience" podcast, Gibson and Rogan discussed the use of these drugs, originally intended for animal health, as potential cancer therapies. Gibson, expressing his belief in the drugs' effectiveness, quoted, "This stuff works, man."
Rogan supported Gibson's view, arguing that despite their lack of profitability, these treatments have shown surprising results. "This stuff does work, which is strange because it's not profit," said Rogan.
The potential of ivermectin and fenbendazole in cancer treatment has been a topic of some preliminary research. However, large-scale clinical trials have yet to confirm any definitive cancer-fighting properties attributed to these drugs.
While some early studies hinted at the potential anti-cancer properties of these drugs, experts like Dr. Susanne Arnold have expressed reservations. "I know of no reports of clinical trials that yielded successful results in humans with cancer," stated Dr. Arnold, underscoring the absence of validated findings.
Moreover, the medical community has raised concerns about the safety of using fenbendazole for cancer treatment. Serious side effects, including liver failure, which led to death in a British man, have been reported following its use outside prescribed treatments.
Fenbendazole, primarily a veterinary drug intended for worm treatment in animals, is available over the counter and online. Despite some anecdotal reports and small case studies suggesting anti-cancer effects, extensive scientific backing is necessary to validate these claims.
The clinical trials involving ivermectin combined with other cancer treatments like immunotherapy were initiated but subsequently halted, raising questions about the efficacy and safety of integrating these drugs into cancer treatment protocols. The explicit reasons for these trial cessations remain unclarified.
Additionally, ivermectin became controversially famous during the COVID-19 pandemic, promoted by some as a treatment option without substantial evidence supporting its effectiveness against the virus. This has brought additional scrutiny to its use and endorsement in unapproved contexts.
Dr. Peter P. Lee commented on the misuse of ivermectin in cancer treatment, particularly noting, "Certainly by itself ivermectin is not a cure or even an effective treatment for breast cancer." This statement highlights the drug's inadequacy as a standalone treatment and the dangers of its misapplication.
Rogan's skepticism towards the medical establishment's acceptance of such treatments emerged during the podcast. He posed critical questions about the role of profit in the pharmaceutical industry's endorsement of drugs. "When you hear about things that are demonized and they turn out to be effective, you always wonder, 'What is going on here? How have our medical institutions failed us so that things that do cure you are not promoted because they're not profitable?'" Rogan expressed.
This debate touches on broader issues of drug regulation, profit motives in pharmaceutical development, and the need for rigorous testing to ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy. The low cost and easy availability of these drugs add a layer of complexity, as they can be easily obtained for off-label uses, potentially leading to dangerous self-medication practices.
Dr. Jason Williams also weighed in on the discussion, indicating the nuanced nature of fenbendazole's use in cancer treatment. "Fenbendazole may be useful in specific contexts, but it is a double-edged sword," he explained, pointing to the risks involved when drugs are taken without proper medical supervision.
The medical community continues to advise against abandoning conventional cancer treatments in favor of unproven alternatives. The potential risks associated with the unsupervised use of veterinary drugs highlight the need for care, especially in vulnerable individuals desperate for a cure.
The story told by Gibson and discussed with Rogan has undeniably stirred interest and controversy. While it opens up conversations about alternative cancer treatments, it also underscores the vital importance of evidence-based medicine in treating such a complex and deadly disease.
As the dialogue between unconventional approaches and traditional medical practice continues, it remains to be seen how these treatments will be studied and possibly integrated into regulatory frameworks, ensuring safety and efficacy for all patients.
