Researchers Study Ivermectin’s Impact on Cancer Cells

The National Cancer Institute is doing early laboratory research to see whether ivermectin has any effect on cancer cells. This does not mean it is a proven or approved cancer treatment. So far, it has only been tested in lab settings, not shown to work in people. Much more research would be needed before doctors could consider using it for cancer.

Anthony Letai, head of the National Cancer Institute, said they decided to study ivermectin more closely because many people were talking about it. Researchers did lab tests to see if it can kill cancer cells. This was only early lab research not testing in patients and it does not prove it treats cancer.

He did not point to any new scientific evidence that led the National Cancer Institute to study ivermectin for cancer. Ivermectin is mainly used to treat parasite infections in people and animals. It is also widely known as a deworming medicine for horses.

He said the study results should be ready in a few months and that they are taking the research seriously. He spoke at an event in Washington, D.C. with Jay Bhattacharya. The event was linked to a health agenda supported by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The National Cancer Institute is the largest part of the National Institutes of Health.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some groups promoted ivermectin as a treatment, but studies showed it doesn’t work for COVID. For some conservatives and MAHA supporters, ivermectin became a symbol of fighting against mainstream medicine. Some people online claimed it could cure many diseases, including cancer, but there is no proof.

Jay Bhattacharya said NIH should take ivermectin seriously because many people believe in it and it affects public health. He also wants NIH to support the MAHA agenda. Some scientists at the National Cancer Institute are upset, saying it’s a waste of money to study ivermectin for cancer since they see it as unscientific.