A PubMed search for “ivermectin” and “cancer” yields hundreds of preclinical studies, many conducted on cell cultures or mice. In the sector of alternative cancer treatments, few drugs have generated as much buzz—and controversy—as ivermectin. Once lauded for its ability to treat parasitic infections and awarded a Nobel Prize for its contribution to global health, ivermectin has more recently been at the center of misleading narratives, first as an alleged cure for COVID-19 and now as a so-called “cancer breakthrough.”

Social media, podcasts, and even some patient communities are abuzz with stories of miraculous recoveries and scientific “breakthroughs.” But what’s driving this surge of interest, and does the science live up to the hype?

For decades, ivermectin was best known as a safe and effective treatment for parasitic diseases like river blindness and scabies. Its impact was so significant that it earned its discoverers the Nobel Prize in 2015. But after being widely discredited as a COVID-19 treatment, ivermectin found new life in online cancer forums and alternative health circles, where it’s now promoted as a cheap, accessible alternative to mainstream cancer therapies.

The renewed interest in ivermectin as a potential cancer therapy has largely been driven by non-scientific sources. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Substack, and YouTube, influential figures promote ivermectin as a natural, low-cost cure "suppressed by big pharma."

One viral moment came during a widely viewed episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, in which actor Mel Gibson recounted how three friends with stage IV cancer reportedly became cancer-free after taking ivermectin and fenbendazole. That snippet, viewed by nearly 20 million people, has fueled speculation—despite the anecdotal nature of the claims.

Further fanning the flames, public figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have accused health authorities of deliberately suppressing ivermectin to favor profit-driven cancer treatments—a claim lacking credible evidence but resonating with those distrustful of traditional medicine.

What Is Ivermectin Approved For?

Ivermectin is a U.S. FDA-approved antiparasitic drug, used for treating river blindness (onchocerciasis), strongyloidiasis, lice, and scabies in humans. It’s also commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat parasitic infections in animals.

Its development and application in tropical medicine were so impactful that the researchers behind ivermectin received the Nobel Prize in 2015. However, its uses have always remained confined to parasitic infections—not viral illnesses like COVID-19, and certainly not cancer.

How Ivermectin Might Work Against Cancer?

Ivermectin’s anticancer effects appear to be unrelated to its anti-parasitic action. Instead, the drug disrupts cancer cell signaling, impairs mitochondrial function, induces autophagy (a process that can kill cancer cells), and inhibits cancer stem cells. It also weakens the mechanisms that allow tumors to resist chemotherapy and evade the immune system.

In the Brazilian rat study, nano-encapsulated ivermectin not only shrank tumors but also improved the health of surrounding brain tissue and reduced abnormal blood vessel growth—suggesting multiple avenues of attack against cancer.

What the Science Says About Ivermectin and Cancer?

A search of scientific literature reveals hundreds of studies linking ivermectin to cancer research. Some of these suggest that ivermectin may interfere with cancer cell metabolism, inhibit tumor growth, or boost immune response in lab-controlled environments. But—and this is critical—lab results do not equal human results.

Dr. Peter P. Lee, chair of the Department of Immuno-Oncology at the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, has studied ivermectin's immune-stimulating effects in mice. While findings hinted at some tumor-modulating potential, they fell far short of demonstrating therapeutic value in humans.

At the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, early results from a phase 1/2 trial combining ivermectin with immunotherapy in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer patients showed no significant benefit. Of the eight patients evaluated, six experienced disease progression, one had a partial response, and one achieved stable disease.

Risks of Using Ivermectin as a Cancer Therapy

Promoting ivermectin for cancer without evidence carries several dangers:

Neurological toxicity: High doses can lead to seizures, confusion, blurred vision, or even coma.

Drug interactions: Ivermectin can interfere with common cancer medications, such as blood thinners or immunotherapy agents.

Treatment delays: Perhaps most concerning is the risk that patients may delay or forgo evidence-based cancer treatments in favor of unproven, alternative drugs. Such delays can allow the cancer to progress unchecked.

False hope and financial exploitation: Some patients may spend time, money, and emotional energy pursuing unproven remedies, only to face worsening outcomes.

Why the Sudden Surge in Popularity?

Several factors have converged to make ivermectin a hot topic in cancer circles. Social media amplification has played a major role, with influencers and alternative health advocates promoting ivermectin as a cheap, “natural” alternative to mainstream cancer treatments. These promotions often rely on cherry-picked studies or anecdotal stories of success, rather than clinical evidence. Distrust in conventional oncology also fuels interest—many patients, disillusioned by the side effects, financial burden, or perceived limitations of standard therapies, are increasingly drawn to off-label or experimental alternatives like ivermectin.

Preclinical breakthroughs, such as the much-publicized Brazilian nano-ivermectin study in animals, add to the intrigue by generating hopeful headlines, despite lacking human trial data. Finally, political and cultural overtones stemming from ivermectin’s controversial use during the COVID-19 pandemic have transformed the drug into a rallying point for individuals skeptical of established medical authorities, further complicating the public narrative around its potential role in cancer treatment.

Where Does This Leave Patients and Doctors?

While the science around ivermectin and cancer is evolving, the consensus among oncologists and researchers is clear: There is no solid evidence that ivermectin can cure or significantly treat cancer in humans. The most promising findings are still limited to laboratory and animal studies, and ongoing clinical trials have yet to show meaningful benefit in people.

That said, the safety profile in small studies is reassuring, and the innovative use of nanotechnology to deliver ivermectin to brain tumors is a genuine scientific advance—one that warrants further research but not premature celebration.

Curiosity Is Good—But Let's Stick to the Science

The buzz around ivermectin as a cancer cure is based more on anecdotes and viral claims than on real science. While early lab data may inspire future studies, there is currently no evidence that ivermectin can treat or cure cancer in humans. Ivermectin’s journey from Nobel-winning anti-parasitic to cancer “miracle drug” is a testament to both the power of scientific curiosity and the dangers of viral misinformation.

Patients facing cancer deserve hope—but not false hope. Turning away from proven therapies in favor of unproven ones could have devastating consequences.

Known for her iconic role as Claire in the Modern Family, Julie Bowen who is a versatile American actress, recently spoke about the rare heart condition she's was diagnosed with at 29.

Speaking about it on the first episode of 'Inside of You' with host Micheal Rosenbaum, Julie revealed her condition 'shy sinus syndrome' that caused her to have a low resting heart rate. She also explained how, due to the condition, she also has had a pacemaker put in place.

Lifelong Low Heart Rate and a Surprising Diagnosis

Bowen explained that she has always had a remarkably low resting heart rate, even around 30 beats per minute at times, a significant deviation from the normal range of 60 to 100 beats per minute for women. This was due to sick sinus syndrome, a heart rhythm disorder exacerbated in her case by hypervagotonia, an overactive vagus nerve. Despite being a competitive runner, her low heart rate was a constant, though initially unexplained, characteristic.

The John Hopkins Medicine explains that sick sinus syndrome (SSS) occurs when your heart's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial (SA) node in the upper right chamber, becomes damaged and can no longer regulate your heartbeat properly. This damage can result from underlying medical conditions or certain medications, leading to heartbeats that are too slow, too fast, or fluctuate between both extremes.

Recognizing the Symptoms

You might have SSS with no symptoms at all, or only mild ones. However, if symptoms do appear, they can include:

• Dizziness
• Fainting (syncope)
• Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity
• Heart palpitations (a fluttering or pounding sensation in your chest)
• Chest pain

How Is Sick Sinus Syndrome Diagnosed?

The turning point for Julie came thanks to her sister, Annie Luetkemeyer, who had just graduated from medical school. During a family vacation, her sister, still in the habit of carrying a stethoscope, insisted on listening to Bowen's heart. "That is not what they've been telling you, and it's not runner's heart or whatever. That means you need to go to a cardiologist," her sister declared, refusing to let the issue drop

Your healthcare provider might suspect SSS based on your symptoms, but these symptoms can be common to many other conditions. To confirm a diagnosis, your provider will likely perform an electrocardiogram (ECG), which records your heart's electrical activity, rate, and rhythm. If you're not experiencing symptoms during the ECG, the results may appear normal. Other diagnostic tests that may be used include:

Stress test: An ECG performed while you exercise on a treadmill.

Holter monitor: A portable device you wear for over 24 hours to continuously record your heart's electrical activity.

Event recorder: A device worn for several days that records your heart rate only when symptoms occur.

Electrophysiologic testing: A hospital procedure where catheters are threaded into your heart through a vein in your thigh to study its electrical system.

Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of your heart to check for structural problems.

Treatment Options For SSS

About a month after her sister's crucial warning, Bowen was filming the pilot for "Ed" when she was faced with the reality of needing a pacemaker. Initially, the news was daunting. "I was like, 'Oh my God. My life is over. This is so weird. I'm gonna die,'" she recalled. However, doctors explained that while the condition wasn't immediately fatal, it would lead to her frequently passing out.

Bowen described a sensation of lightheadedness, particularly when she was relaxed, feeling "like I'd been holding my breath for a while." The critical warning that solidified her decision was the risk of passing out while driving and potentially harming someone. "Oh, well, then give me the Goddamn pacemaker," she decided.

Her pacemaker is now set to ensure her heart rate doesn't drop below 45 beats per minute. She shared that the surgical insertion was done discreetly through her armpit, leaving no visible scar. While she's had to have the batteries replaced three times, she largely forgets about it now, a testament to how seamlessly it has integrated into her life.

While this is one way to treat her condition, here are some other ways your doctor may choose to go about your treatment,

Medication adjustment

If certain medications are contributing to your SSS, your healthcare provider may change your prescription.

Blood thinners

Because SSS can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the heart and leading to a stroke, you may be prescribed blood thinners as a preventive measure.

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a potentially life-threatening allergy to red meat and other products derived from mammals. Unlike typical food allergies that cause immediate reactions, AGS symptoms can appear several hours after consumption. These range from hives and nausea to anaphylaxis and, in rare cases, heart attacks. The syndrome is triggered by a sugar molecule called galactose-α-1,3-galactose (or alpha-gal), which is introduced into the human body through the bite of a lone star tick.

Why are lone star ticks spreading?

Lone star ticks, named for the white dot found on the backs of females, have long been native to the southeastern United States. But in recent years, their range has expanded dramatically — now reaching as far north as Maine and westwards toward the central US. Experts say this is largely due to the warming climate, which has made previously inhospitable regions more suitable for tick survival and reproduction.

This spread is also helped by other factors such as:

• Increased deer populations (which host ticks)
• Urban development that pushes human dwellings closer to wild habitats
• Lack of natural barriers, such as mountain ranges, in some regions

How common is AGS?

The true number of alpha-gal syndrome cases is difficult to determine due to inconsistent data collection and lack of awareness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented about 110,000 cases since 2010, but estimates suggest the actual number could be as high as 450,000. Many people may never realise their allergic reactions are linked to a tick bite.

What makes these ticks dangerous?

Lone star ticks are notoriously aggressive. They are capable of detecting humans by sensing heat and carbon dioxide and will actively pursue a host. They can even move quickly over short distances, increasing the chances of biting.

The concept of a “tick bomb” — a cluster of tiny juvenile ticks that swarm over anything they encounter — adds another terrifying element to their behavior.

Living with alpha-gal

For those diagnosed with AGS, life can change dramatically. Aside from cutting out red meat (beef, pork, lamb), many patients also have to avoid dairy, gelatin, and even some medications, toothpaste, and medical products derived from mammals. Food choices become limited and dining out risky. In severe cases, even airborne particles from cooking meat can trigger a reaction.

Support groups are growing rapidly, especially in affected regions like Virginia, where community members share coping strategies and advocate for clearer food labelling.

What’s next?

As the climate warms and tick populations expand, AGS may affect millions more. Other tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, Babesia, and the deadly Powassan virus are also on the rise.

Yet, despite this growing threat, researchers warn that US funding for tick-borne disease research is shrinking. Experts stress the urgent need for better surveillance, education, and treatment options to confront what could become a nationwide health crisis.

The choice of quitting oral contraceptives is a personal one, usually related to shifting life priorities—whether it's switching to another type of birth control, getting pregnant, or just needing a break from hormone synthetics. But for many women, going off the pill isn't only about changing periods. For some, it can also mean the return of unwanted acne—sometimes more stubborn and long-lasting than the breakouts of your teenage years.

If you assumed your days of fighting breakouts were over, stopping the pill can be a rude shock. Why does this occur, and how can you prevent it? As a health editor to a worldwide audience, I've spoken to dermatologists and sifted through the most recent evidence to give you an in-depth guide to managing post-pill acne.

Why Does Acne Suddenly Break Out After Stopping the Pill?

The birth-control pill is not only a pregnancy-prevention tool—it's also a hormone controller that has a major impact on skin health. Some women are put on the pill simply to manage acne due to its effect of inhibiting androgens (male hormones) and sebum (skin oil) production. When you discontinue the pill, your body needs to re-balance its hormones, which often means a short spike in androgens. This hormonal storm can put the oil glands in your skin into overdrive, producing clogged pores and breakouts.

The transition phase has been likened to "hormonal chaos." Your ovaries, which had been maintained with artificial estrogen and progesterone, suddenly take over their natural role, sometimes compensating by producing more androgens than previously. This rush of oil production sets the stage for the acne-causing bacteria to thrive.

The birth control pill, particularly combination pills containing estrogen and progestin, inhibits this androgen activity. When the pill is discontinued, the body's natural hormonal cycles return, including the production of androgens, which can overburden the skin's oil-controlling systems—especially if your body is genetically predisposed to be sensitive to these hormones.

Not necessarily. How your skin reacts after coming off the pill depends heavily on your genetics and any underlying hormonal imbalances. For instance, some women start the pill in their teens before acne ever truly develops. In these cases, the pill may be silently suppressing a genetic predisposition to acne, which becomes apparent only after discontinuation.

In some women, the recurrence of acne can indicate a pre-existing covered-up hormonal issue, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—a prevalent endocrine disorder that involves high levels of androgens. In these women, the pill corrects PCOS's evident signs, but when it is withdrawn, the underlying imbalance reappears.

Where and How Does Post-Pill Acne Appear?

Hormonal acne tends to appear in the lower third of the face—jowl, chin, neck—and sometimes the shoulders, chest, or back. It tends to be made up of cysts or inflamed, painful pimples that are deep, not blackheads or whiteheads you may have experienced in puberty.

This pattern is related to sites of increased androgen receptor concentration and oil gland function. But everyone's experience is different: some people have solo flare-ups, others experience more widespread outbreaks.

Women with a history of acne in their families or those with naturally higher androgen levels are at increased risk. Stress, food intake, and even gut health can also determine the intensity and longevity of post-pill breakouts.

What Does Post-Pill Acne Look Like?

Hormonal acne tends to appear on the lower third of the face—chinion and jawline, basically—but can crop up on the chest, shoulders, or back. The eruptions can be as mild as blackheads and whiteheads, or as severe and painful as cystic acne. For some, the flare-up fades in a few months; for others, it can last for a year or more, particularly if there are strong genetic components involved.

The timeline is different. Most women see their acne flaring two to six months after stopping the pill. In some, it could improve a few months later as the hormones balance out. But for others—particularly those with a strong genetic inclination toward acne—it might continue for up to a year or even longer.

In the opinion of dermatologists, your acne's severity and duration will usually reflect your body's sensitivity to hormones. If your body responds strongly to even minor hormonal changes, post-pill acne can be more serious and persist for a longer period.

Can Skincare Alone Treat It?

Here's the bad news: skincare can't change your hormones or your genetic sensitivity to androgens. Although regular skincare can help maintain healthy skin, prevent breakouts, and downsize inflammation, in most cases, it is seldom sufficient to treat post-pill acne in moderate to severe forms.

Over-the-counter remedies such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids might provide relief. But dermatologists sometimes prescribe stronger medications, such as:

• Topical antibiotics or retinoids to decrease bacteria and inflammation
• Oral antibiotics in moderate to severe cases
• Hormonal treatments such as spironolactone, which blocks androgen receptors
• Isotretinoin (Accutane) for severe, cystic acne that is nonresponsive to other treatment

Could This Be a Sign of a Bigger Hormonal Imbalance?

Yes. In many cases, post-pill acne acts as a window into your natural hormonal landscape. If your acne is accompanied by other symptoms—like irregular periods, excess facial hair, or unexplained weight gain—it might be worth exploring conditions like PCOS or insulin resistance with your healthcare provider.

Coming off the pill can reveal long-standing imbalances that were previously being managed rather than resolved.

When to See a Dermatologist?

If your acne is bad, ongoing, or emotionally distressing, see a dermatologist. They can diagnose underlying hormonal imbalances, provide effective treatments, and offer advice specific to your needs. Women with symptoms of PCOS—irregular menstruation, excessive hair, or weight gain—may need a referral to an endocrinologist.

Post-pill acne isn't your fault, and it's not permanent. Although it can be an infuriating obstacle, particularly if you thought you could put acne behind you after adolescence, it's also a chance to learn more about your body's individual hormonal map.

If you’re thinking of coming off the pill, talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect and how to prepare. Remember, you’re not alone—and with the right support, clearer skin is within reach.