Our clinic was founded in 1958, and over the decades we have had the privilege of caring for patients with some of the most challenging medical conditions. Even when conventional treatment options have been exhausted, we continue to work alongside our patients to explore scientifically plausible therapeutic strategies that may improve quality of life and clinical outcomes. We have witnessed this in chronic Lyme disease, autoimmune disorders, and, perhaps most notably, cancer.
Patients who come to the Paracelsus Clinic for our comprehensive cancer care program all share one important characteristic. They want to live.
Their determination, curiosity and willingness to explore every reasonable option deserve to be met with an equally open-minded, scientifically grounded approach
Over the past eighteen months, we have seen growing interest in the use of repurposed anti-parasitic medications, particularly ivermectin and fenbendazole, as potential adjuncts to conventional cancer therapy. While these medications have generated considerable discussion, they also provide an opportunity to address a much broader question:
How should cancer be treated in the era of precision medicine?
Modern Cancer Care
In December 1971, when then-President Richard Nixon declared “War on Cancer” and signed the National Cancer Act of 1971, “modern” cancer care treatment and diagnosis really began. The government provided a 1.6-billion-dollar fund (equivalent to approximately 13.16 billion dollars in 2026) to expand cancer research to help combat, at the time, America’s second leading cause of death (second to heart disease).
In essence, and very simply: a sense of urgency was recognized at the government level to enact policy changes to give cancer patients a better chance of living.
Standard versus re-purposed, "off-label use" drugs and more…
Since this time, researchers, universities, clinicians and patients themselves have poured billions of dollars and billions of hours into creating the “best” approach to treating cancer. Worldwide, the standard “three” is known and practiced: operation, radiation and chemotherapy.
Obviously, and depending on the histology, staging and age of the patient, this variation may vary, but it covers the general practice of Medical Oncology since the signing of the law in 1971.
Yet despite remarkable efforts, one important realization has emerged over the last decades:
Cancer does not develop in isolation.
Thus, since the 1970’s, alongside conventional medicine, the field of oncology began to broaden in the 1970s. High-dose Vitamin C infusions gained increasing attention, European clinics expanded the use of whole-body hyperthermia, research into mistletoe therapy accelerated, and interest grew in Traditional Chinese Medicine, botanical therapies, and mind-body medicine for patients living with cancer. While these approaches differed in philosophy and scientific maturity, they shared a common objective: to support the patient alongside the direct treatment of the tumor.
As the field of Integrative Oncology continued to evolve through the late 1990s and beyond, an increasing number of supportive therapies became available, including nutritional and metabolic medicine, orthomolecular therapies, intravenous treatment protocols, hyperthermia, oncogenetic profiling, personalized cancer vaccines, and, more recently, repurposed medications such as ivermectin and fenbendazole.
With so many therapeutic possibilities available today, an important question arises:
How do we determine which treatments truly belong in an individual patient’s care?
Biological Medical Oncology: Bringing Together the Best of Modern Cancer Care
Our understanding of Biological Medical Oncology goes far beyond supplementing conventional cancer therapies with naturopathic approaches. We combine the possibilities of modern oncology with biological medicine and precision medicine in order to develop an individualized treatment concept for each patient.
In doing so, we do not focus solely on the tumor, but on the person as a whole. In addition to tumor type and stage, we consider numerous factors that may influence disease progression, including metabolism, immune function, chronic inflammation, environmental exposures, nutritional status, hormonal regulation, and other biological parameters.
Our goal is to target the tumor while simultaneously improving the biological conditions of the body in order to support treatment response, regeneration, and quality of life as effectively as possible. To achieve this, we combine evidence-based biological therapies with modern precision medicine approaches.
If a patient is already receiving surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy, or if such treatment is medically indicated, we are committed to working closely with the treating oncologists and other specialists. Our aim is not to replace any medical discipline, but rather to integrate modern approaches in a meaningful way and develop an individually coordinated therapeutic concept for each patient.
The Tumor Microenvironment and the Inner Milieu: Why Context Matters
In modern cancer research, the tumor microenvironment (TME) refers to the immediate biological environment surrounding a tumor. It is a complex network of immune cells, blood vessels, connective tissue, signaling molecules, and metabolic processes that significantly influences tumor growth, progression, and response to therapies.
A tumor can create an immunosuppressive, hypoxic, and inflammatory environment that protects it and promotes its development. Conversely, the targeted modification of this environment is now considered an important therapeutic strategy.
For the Paracelsus Clinic, this understanding is not a new concept. Rather, it confirms the principle of the internal biological environment (inner milieu) that has guided our approach for decades. Paracelsus already recognized that health and disease are fundamentally influenced by the biological conditions within the body.
Today, numerous scientific studies demonstrate that chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, metabolic disturbances, nutrient deficiencies, immune dysregulation, and changes in the microbiome can significantly influence the tumor microenvironment.
For this reason, our therapeutic approach does not focus solely on directly attacking cancer cells. Equally important is the optimization of the patient’s internal biological environment and the support of the body’s own regulatory mechanisms. Individually tailored nutrition, metabolic medicine, infusion therapies, immune modulation, and other biological approaches aim to create conditions that may make tumor progression more difficult while simultaneously supporting the body’s normal physiological functions.
Scientific Openness Combined with Medical Responsibility
Medicine is continuously evolving. New discoveries in molecular oncology, immunology, metabolic research, and tumor biology are constantly expanding our understanding of cancer and opening new therapeutic possibilities.
For this reason, we follow emerging developments with scientific openness while carefully evaluating them based on available evidence and biological plausibility.
In recent years, two medications originally developed as antiparasitic agents have attracted considerable international attention: ivermectin and fenbendazole. Both are increasingly being discussed as potential complementary therapeutic approaches in oncology and have generated significant interest among researchers, scientific communities, and patients alike.
Ivermectin and Fenbendazole
A short visit online, and under the website “The Cancer News”, provides the following history about Ivermectin:
“The story of ivermectin began in the 1970s near a golf course in Honshu, Japan. The microbiologist Satoshi Omura collected soil samples from the woods and went back to the laboratory for analysis. There, he discovered a new bacterium, Streptomyces avermitilis, which showed strong activity against parasitic infections in mice. From this, Omura purified the active components, revealing a family of compounds called avermectins, and by refining them, ivermectin was developed.”
Moreover, “Ivermectin is a drug with powerful antiparasitic properties effective against both animals and humans. In the 1980s, it became one of the highest-selling animal health products due to its potency against both endoparasites (those that live in the body) and ectoparasites (those that live on the surface of the body). Ivermectin works by blocking ion channels in parasites and invertebrates, causing paralysis. This paralysis disrupts a parasite’s neuromuscular function, ultimately causing its death.”
An internal application for human use is officially approved for treating both roundworm and river blindness, whereas external as a cream for head lice and rosacea.
Ivermectin and Cancer
Regarding cancer, there is a one phase 2 clinical trial ongoing in America, “Ivermectin in Combination with Balstilimab or Pembrolizumab in Patients with Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer”, with results wrapping up in October 2026. In addition, there are many ex vivo studies being done on ivermectin’s potential mechanism of action.
What is the verdict? There is more to the story, but first a description about Fenbendazole.
Fenbendazole
In a 2024 article in Anti-Cancer Research, fenbendazole received international attention because of an incidental, anecdotal finding.
According to the article, the story is as follows:
“In August 2016, fenbendazole garnered global attention as a potential anti-cancer therapy following the complete recovery success story of Joe Tippens, who was diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer. At the time, Tippens was undergoing a clinical trial for a novel anti-cancer drug. Meanwhile, under the guidance of a veterinarian, Tippens began self-administering 222 mg fenbendazole orally, along with vitamin E supplements, CBD oil, and bioavailable curcumin. After three months of self-administration, a PET scan revealed no detectable cancer cells in his body. Notably, Tippens was the only patient cured of cancer among the 1,100 clinical trial participants (3). While the Joe Tippens case is compelling, it remains an anecdotal report. It underscores the need for rigorous clinical trials to validate the efficacy and safety of fenbendazole as an anti-cancer therapy.”
According to some research, Fenbendazole helps to disrupt how the tumor develops its structure, specifically, interrupting microtube formation, as well blood sugar utilization.
Precision Medicine and Modern Molecular Diagnostics
The era of standardized “one-size-fits-all” oncology is increasingly coming to an end.
At the Paracelsus Clinic, precision medicine is therefore an integral part of our therapeutic approach.
Our modern diagnostic capabilities include:
- high-resolution imaging techniques,
- comprehensive laboratory analyses,
- and, of particular importance, oncogenetic diagnostics.
These investigations allow us to go far beyond the traditional histological classification of tumors and gain a deeper understanding of the molecular characteristics of each individual tumor.
What does this mean in practice?
Before considering any new therapy — including antiparasitic medications — we address fundamental questions:
- Does the tumor have molecular targets that this medication could potentially influence?
- Are there genetic alterations that may indicate possible sensitivity or resistance?
- Are there metabolic vulnerabilities that could be therapeutically targeted?
This is not speculative medicine, but rather a rational, scientifically grounded, and individually tailored therapeutic approach.
Our Precision Medicine Approach
As already described in our previous newsletter on oncogenetic diagnostics, the Paracelsus Clinic collaborates with a specialized molecular biology laboratory that analyzes genetic targets which may be relevant for individualized therapeutic decisions.
For so-called repurposed drugs, the laboratory also investigates whether a patient’s tumor exhibits biological signaling pathways or molecular target structures that have been described as potential points of action for these substances.
For example:
Ivermectin
Potential molecular targets include:
- NR1H4 (FXR)
- KPNB1
Fenbendazole
Potential molecular targets include:
- EZH2
- GLUT1 (SLC2A1)
- GLUT4 (SLC2A4)
The purpose of this analysis is not to predict whether a medication will cure cancer.
Rather, it helps determine whether the tumor biology suggests that a particular therapy may have a biologically plausible rationale for that individual patient.
Case Example 1
A patient with Stage IV prostate cancer underwent molecular profiling as part of his personalized assessment.
In this patient, several of the proposed molecular targets were expressed at moderate levels. While this does not predict that either medication will be effective, it does provide a stronger biological rationale for considering these agents as potential adjunctive therapies within a broader treatment program.
After discussing the available evidence, limitations and uncertainties, the patient decided to obtain these medications independently and use them under the supervision of his local physician.
Case Example 2
Another patient with Stage IV mycosis fungoides underwent the same molecular assessment.
In contrast, this patient’s tumor demonstrated only low expression of the relevant molecular targets. Consequently, there was considerably less biological justification for expecting these medications to provide meaningful benefit.
Following a discussion of the findings, the patient chose not to pursue either therapy.
What do these two examples demonstrate?
These two cases illustrate a central principle of precision medicine.
The key question is not: “Do ivermectin or fenbendazole work against cancer?”
Rather, the question is: “Does this individual patient’s tumor have the biological characteristics that make the use of these medications scientifically plausible?”
This is precisely the difference between a general recommendation and an individualized, molecularly guided therapeutic decision.
Supporting the Individual Patient
Our responsibility is not to promote every new therapeutic trend, nor to dismiss emerging possibilities without scientific consideration.
Instead, we evaluate each patient individually.
We support our patients by combining established oncological therapies with advanced diagnostics and carefully selected integrative interventions, always guided by current scientific evidence and clinical judgement.
Whether a patient ultimately decides to include a repurposed medication is only one part of a much larger therapeutic strategy.
Looking Forward
The field of oncology continues to evolve rapidly. New discoveries regarding tumour metabolism, immune biology, the tumour microenvironment and molecular genetics are changing the way we understand cancer.
Repurposed medications such as ivermectin and fenbendazole may ultimately prove to have a role in selected patients—or they may not. Ongoing clinical research will provide the answers.
What remains certain, however, is that the future of cancer treatment lies in personalization.
At Paracelsus Clinic, we do not simply treat a diagnosis.
We treat the individual.
By combining advanced molecular diagnostics, precision medicine, integrative oncology and a deep understanding of the tumor microenvironment and the body’s internal milieu, we strive to develop comprehensive treatment programs tailored to each patient’s unique biology.
Because every person is different.
And every cancer is different.
Yours sincerely,
Eric Kimbles
Naturopathic Doctor
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References
- Dogra N, Kumar A, Mukhopadhyay T: Fenbendazole acts as a moderate microtubule destabilizing agent and causes cancer cell death by modulating multiple cellular pathways. Sci Rep 8(1): 11926, 2018. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30158-6
- Seyfried TN, Flores RE, Poff AM, D’Agostino DP: Cancer as a metabolic disease: implications for novel therapeutics. Carcinogenesis 35(3): 515-527, 2014.
- Chang CS, Ryu JY, Choi JK, Cho YJ, Choi JJ, Hwang JR, hoi JY, Noh JJ, Lee CM, Won JE, Han HD, Lee JW. Anti-cancer effect of fenbendazole-incorporated PLGA nanoparticles in ovarian cancer. J Gynecol Oncol 34(5): e58, 2023. DOI: 10.3802/jgo.2023.34
- Edmond Man Says Cheap Drug for Dogs Cured His Cancer. Oklahoma, USA, Koco News, 2019. Available at: https://www.koco.com/article/edmond-man-says-cheap-drug-for-dogs-cured-his-cancer/27276538 [Last accessed on June 29, 2024]
- Tang M et al. Ivermectin, a potential anticancer drug derived from an antiparasitic drug. Pharmacol Res. 2021 Jan;163:105207. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105207. Epub 2020 Sep 21. PMID: 32971268; PMCID: PMC7505114.
- https://www.springermedizin.de/ezh2-a-novel-target-for-cancer-treatment/18226300
- Feng W, Cui G, Tang CW, Zhang XL, Dai C, Xu YQ, Gong H, Xue T, Guo HH, Bao Y. Role of glucose metabolism related gene GLUT1 in the occurrence and prognosis of colorectal cancer. 2017 May 23;8(34):56850-56857.
- Yu M, Yongzhi H, Chen S, Luo X, Lin Y, Zhou Y, Jin H, Hou B, Deng Y, Tu L, Jian Z. The prognostic value of GLUT1 in cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2017 Jun 27;8(26):43356-43367.
- Tufail M, Jiang CH, Li N. Altered metabolism in cancer: insights into energy pathways and therapeutic targets. Mol Cancer. 2024 Sep 18;23(1):203.
