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Rachel V Thomas

Fact-Check Rahul Dua’s Cancer Claims: Immunotherapy Isn’t Always Better, ‘Superfoods’ Don’t Cure

<span>Immunotherapy</span> isn’t always better than chemotherapy. Its benefits depend on the cancer type, stage and biomarkers. Similarly, “superfoods” do not cure cancer, health experts said while addressing comedian Rahul Dua’s claims about cancer treatment.

On a recent podcast, Dua opened up about a family member’s four-year cancer battle and his research into alternative treatments.

Dua said his family member began improving after switching from chemotherapy to immunotherapy. He also claimed that low-cost drug combinations, including <span>ivermectin</span> and <span>fenbendazole</span>, could have potential in cancer treatment and questioned whether pharmaceutical profits influence which treatments receive attention.

But what does science say? <strong><em>HealthandMe </em></strong>spoke to oncologist to fact-check these claims and address common cancer-treatment myths.

<h2>Immunotherapy Isn’t Always Better Than Chemotherapy</h2>

“Immunotherapy is not universally ‘better’ than chemotherapy. Benefit depends on cancer type, stage, and biomarkers such as PD-L1, MSI-H or TMB,” said Dr Shyam Aggarwal, Chairman, Medical Oncology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

“In melanoma, mismatch-repair–deficient tumors and selected lung or kidney cancers, immunotherapy often outperforms or usefully combines with chemotherapy. In many other cancers, chemotherapy remains the backbone,” he added.

Patients should not decide their treatment on their own, the expert told <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>.

Accurate diagnosis, staging and molecular testing require a multidisciplinary team. Shared decision-making with an oncologist is essential, as self-directed treatment choices can delay effective care and cause harm.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/wegovy-zepbound-are-not-approved-by-us-fda-for-children-under-12-so-why-are-prescriptions-rising-article-156100397" data-type="tilCustomLink">Wegovy &amp; Zepbound Are Not Approved By US FDA For Children Under 12: So Why Are Prescriptions Rising?</a>

<h2>‘Superfoods’ Don’t Cure Cancer</h2>

Dua also claimed that certain “superfoods” — including a high-protein, high-fat, low-fibre diet — combined with immunotherapy can cure cancer.

“‘Superfoods’ do not treat cancer. A balanced diet supports strength and treatment tolerance, but no food replaces proven therapy. Miracle-food claims lack rigorous evidence,” Dr Shyam said, stressing that patients should consult their oncologist for individualized, evidence-based care.

<h2>The Rs 50 Ivermectin-Fenbendazole Claim</h2>

Dua also spoke about a combination of ivermectin and fenbendazole, describing it as a “₹50 cancer treatment” that he believed could be more effective and questioned whether pharmaceutical profits were a factor.

“But since it was a 50 rupee cure. There is no profit for pharma in that. There is no profit for pharma in that. Off the record, there is this medicine combination of Ivermectin and Fenbendazole. Fenbendazole is a dog dewormer. It costs 20 rupees. Ivermectin is a horse dewormer. I am very convinced that as soon as my auntie moved from (4 years of) chemo to immunotherapy. (She) Started becoming better,” Dua shared during the podcast.

According to the American Cancer Society, ivermectin is not approved to treat cancer in people or animals, and no clinical guidelines recommend it as a cancer treatment.

"Ivermectin has not undergone the rigorous clinical trials needed to establish whether it is safe and effective as a cancer treatment in humans. Available research is insufficient to determine whether it could work as an anticancer drug," it says.

While ivermectin may be used at recommended doses to treat certain worm infections, large doses can be dangerous, potentially causing seizures, coma and even death. It may also worsen the side effects of standard cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/bill-ackmans-daughter-gets-experimental-treatment-for-vision-loss-when-can-mitochondrial-transplants-help-article-156101829" data-type="tilCustomLink">Bill Ackman’s Daughter Gets Experimental Treatment For Vision Loss: When Can Mitochondrial Transplants Help?</a>

<h2>Experts Warn Against ‘Miracle Cure’ Claims</h2>

Dua’s claims has drawn sharp criticism from oncologists, public health specialists and medical communicators, who warned that unscientific “miracle cure” claims could mislead patients into delaying evidence-based treatment.

“Don’t fall for this. A ₹50 cancer ‘cure’ that pharma is hiding is clickbait, not care. These people never follow it themselves and feel no responsibility when patients delay real treatment just so a video can go viral. Lives are not content,” Dr Rishabh Jain, Medical Oncologist, AIIMS Delhi, said on X.

Dr Arshiet Dhamnaskar, neurosurgeon at Western India Institute of Neurosciences, also said people not “trained in medical science should refrain from commenting upon it. As even one bit of misinformation can be disastrous.”

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Immunotherapy isn’t always better than chemotherapy. Its benefits depend on the cancer type, stage and biomarkers. Similarly, “superfoods” do not cure cancer, health experts said while addressing comedian Rahul Dua’s claims about cancer treatment.On a recent podcast, Dua opened up about a family member’s four-year cancer battle and his research into alternative treatments.Dua said his family member began improving after switching from chemotherapy to immunotherapy. He also claimed that low-cost drug combinations, including ivermectin and fenbendazole, could have potential in cancer treatment and questioned whether pharmaceutical profits influence which treatments receive attention.But what does science say? HealthandMe spoke to oncologist to fact-check these claims and address common cancer-treatment myths.Immunotherapy Isn’t Always Better Than Chemotherapy“Immunotherapy is not universally ‘better’ than chemotherapy. Benefit depends on cancer type, stage, and biomarkers such as PD-L1, MSI-H or TMB,” said Dr Shyam Aggarwal, Chairman, Medical Oncology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.“In melanoma, mismatch-repair–deficient tumors and selected lung or kidney cancers, immunotherapy often outperforms or usefully combines with chemotherapy. In many other cancers, chemotherapy remains the backbone,” he added.Patients should not decide their treatment on their own, the expert told HealthandMe.Accurate diagnosis, staging and molecular testing require a multidisciplinary team. Shared decision-making with an oncologist is essential, as self-directed treatment choices can delay effective care and cause harm.Also read: Wegovy & Zepbound Are Not Approved By US FDA For Children Under 12: So Why Are Prescriptions Rising?‘Superfoods’ Don’t Cure CancerDua also claimed that certain “superfoods” — including a high-protein, high-fat, low-fibre diet — combined with immunotherapy can cure cancer.“‘Superfoods’ do not treat cancer. A balanced diet supports strength and treatment tolerance, but no food replaces proven therapy. Miracle-food claims lack rigorous evidence,” Dr Shyam said, stressing that patients should consult their oncologist for individualized, evidence-based care.The Rs 50 Ivermectin-Fenbendazole ClaimDua also spoke about a combination of ivermectin and fenbendazole, describing it as a “₹50 cancer treatment” that he believed could be more effective and questioned whether pharmaceutical profits were a factor.“But since it was a 50 rupee cure. There is no profit for pharma in that. There is no profit for pharma in that. Off the record, there is this medicine combination of Ivermectin and Fenbendazole. Fenbendazole is a dog dewormer. It costs 20 rupees. Ivermectin is a horse dewormer. I am very convinced that as soon as my auntie moved from (4 years of) chemo to immunotherapy. (She) Started becoming better,” Dua shared during the podcast.According to the American Cancer Society, ivermectin is not approved to treat cancer in people or animals, and no clinical guidelines recommend it as a cancer treatment."Ivermectin has not undergone the rigorous clinical trials needed to establish whether it is safe and effective as a cancer treatment in humans. Available research is insufficient to determine whether it could work as an anticancer drug," it says.While ivermectin may be used at recommended doses to treat certain worm infections, large doses can be dangerous, potentially causing seizures, coma and even death. It may also worsen the side effects of standard cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.Read More: Bill Ackman’s Daughter Gets Experimental Treatment For Vision Loss: When Can Mitochondrial Transplants Help?Experts Warn Against ‘Miracle Cure’ ClaimsDua’s claims has drawn sharp criticism from oncologists, public health specialists and medical communicators, who warned that unscientific “miracle cure” claims could mislead patients into delaying evidence-based treatment.“Don’t fall for this. A ₹50 cancer ‘cure’ that pharma is hiding is clickbait, not care. These people never follow it themselves and feel no responsibility when patients delay real treatment just so a video can go viral. Lives are not content,” Dr Rishabh Jain, Medical Oncologist, AIIMS Delhi, said on X.Dr Arshiet Dhamnaskar, neurosurgeon at Western India Institute of Neurosciences, also said people not “trained in medical science should refrain from commenting upon it. As even one bit of misinformation can be disastrous.”

fact-check rahul dua’s cancer claims: immunotherapy isn’t always better, ‘superfoods’ don’t cure

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Fact-Check Rahul Dua’s Cancer Claims: Immunotherapy Isn’t Always Better, ‘Superfoods’ Don’t Cure

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