Anti-Parasitic Drugs in Cancer Treatment: A Discussion of the Tippens Protocol, By Mrs (Dr) Abigail Knight (Florida)
Before diving into this topic, the usual disclaimer that no medical advice is being offered here; material for information purpose only! The Epoch Times article, published on June 25, 2025, highlights the remarkable story of Joe Tippens, a cancer survivor who credits his recovery from terminal small cell lung cancer to a regimen including fenbendazole, an anti-parasitic drug primarily used in veterinary medicine. This regimen, dubbed the "Joe Tippens Protocol," has gained significant attention, particularly through Tippens' blog and social media, inspiring thousands of cancer patients worldwide to explore repurposed anti-parasitic drugs like fenbendazole and ivermectin. The article presents a compelling narrative of hope, supported by anecdotal success stories, preliminary scientific research, and advocacy from professionals like Dr. William Makis. However, it also raises questions about regulatory challenges, medical scepticism, and the balance between innovation and evidence-based practice. I will discuss the claims, evaluate their credibility, and explore the broader implications of repurposing anti-parasitic drugs for cancer treatment.
The article centres on Joe Tippens, diagnosed with terminal small cell lung cancer in 2016, who faced a prognosis of three months to live after conventional treatments failed to halt the disease's spread. Inspired by a veterinarian's story about a scientist curing cancer in lab mice with fenbendazole, Tippens adopted a regimen of fenbendazole (Panacur, 222 mg daily for three days per week), Theracurmin (a turmeric extract), and CBD. Three months later, he was declared cancer-free, a result he attributes to this protocol. The article also highlights Dr. William Makis, an oncologist who supports the protocol, claiming it has helped several of his patients achieve remission. Other success stories, like that of Donna Leland, who used fenbendazole and ivermectin to overcome Stage 3 cervical and endometrial cancer, further bolster the narrative.
The article outlines several proposed mechanisms by which anti-parasitic drugs like fenbendazole and ivermectin may combat cancer:
Boosting p53: Enhancing a tumour suppressor protein that triggers cancer cell death.
Blocking glucose uptake: Starving cancer cells, which rely heavily on sugar for energy.
Disrupting microtubules: Inhibiting cancer cell division by targeting cellular structures.
Affecting mitochondrial function: Depleting cancer cell energy and increasing oxidative stress.
These mechanisms, supported by preclinical studies, draw parallels between cancer cells and parasites, both of which exhibit autonomous proliferation and immune evasion. The article cites research, such as a 2018 study in Scientific Reports and a 2016 study in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, suggesting that fenbendazole and ivermectin may target cancer cells effectively in vitro and in animal models. Additionally, the combination of fenbendazole with other compounds, like diisopropylamino dichloroacetate, is noted to enhance anti-cancer effects.
The strength of the article lies in its blend of anecdotal evidence and emerging scientific research. Joe Tippens' story is a powerful testament to the potential of unconventional approaches, particularly for patients with limited options. His protocol's global impact, with over 70,000 followers in China and millions of blog views, underscores its resonance with those seeking alternatives to standard treatments. Donna Leland's recovery and the experiences of Dr. Makis' patients further amplify the narrative of hope, suggesting that the protocol may offer benefits where conventional therapies fall short.
Scientific support, while preliminary, is promising. A 2024 review in Anticancer Research highlights fenbendazole's effects on cancer cell energy metabolism, particularly via p53 upregulation and glucose pathway disruption, with minimal harm to healthy cells. A 2018 study in Scientific Reports found that fenbendazole interferes with microtubules, leading to cancer cell death, supporting its potential as a therapeutic agent. Similarly, a 2016 study on ivermectin demonstrated its ability to kill glioblastoma cells and inhibit tumour growth in mice, suggesting a role in targeting aggressive cancers. A 2020 case series published in SciTechnol reported complete remission in three cancer patients using fenbendazole, adding to the anecdotal and scientific case.
Dr. Makis' advocacy for combining fenbendazole and ivermectin, which he claims attacks cancer through "two dozen ways," is supported by a 2020 review in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. This review emphasises the potential of repurposed drugs, noting that anti-parasitic drugs like benzimidazoles (e.g., fenbendazole, mebendazole) and macrolides (e.g., ivermectin) target multiple cancer pathways, including cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and autophagy. The similarities between cancer and parasitic diseases, such as rapid proliferation and immune evasion, provide a biological rationale for these drugs' efficacy.
Despite its promise, the Tippens Protocol faces significant challenges, primarily due to its lack of FDA approval for human use and limited clinical trial data. Fenbendazole is approved only for veterinary use, meaning doctors cannot prescribe it for cancer, and patients like Tippens must source it over-the-counter. Ivermectin, while FDA-approved for human parasitic infections, lacks authorisation for cancer treatment, limiting its mainstream adoption. The absence of large-scale, randomised clinical trials, the gold standard for medical evidence, restricts the protocol's credibility in the medical community. As noted in a 2025 New York Times article, many drugs show promise in preclinical studies, but most fail to translate to human outcomes.
Regulatory and professional barriers also pose challenges. Dr. Makis highlights that medical boards may penalise doctors for recommending unapproved treatments, deterring oncologists from exploring these drugs. A 2025 article from NOLA.com reports that Louisiana oncologists, including Dr. Jon Mizrahi, warn against ivermectin's misuse, citing risks of side effects and the lack of robust evidence. The article notes concerns about patients combining these drugs with chemotherapy or forgoing proven treatments, which can lead to disease progression.
The article's reliance on anecdotal evidence, while compelling, is a double-edged sword. Stories like Tippens' and Leland's inspire hope but cannot establish causality or generalisability. The placebo effect, concurrent treatments, or spontaneous remission could explain some successes.
The Tippens Protocol reflects a growing interest in drug repurposing, a cost-effective strategy to identify new uses for existing drugs. A 2020 Nature article underscores the potential of repurposing non-oncology drugs, like anti-parasitics, to target cancer vulnerabilities, citing their established safety profiles and ability to expedite clinical translation. Examples include mebendazole, which has shown anti-cancer effects in colorectal and brain cancers, and niclosamide, which inhibits tumour metastasis in multiple cancer types. The article's emphasis on medical freedom aligns with a broader movement advocating for patient choice, particularly in the context of terminal illnesses where standard options have failed.
However, this movement faces tension with the medical establishment's emphasis on evidence-based practice. A 2025 Anticancer Fund article warns of misinformation surrounding repurposed drugs, noting that patient enthusiasm often outpaces scientific validation. The surge in interest, fuelled by social media and high-profile endorsements (e.g., Mel Gibson on The Joe Rogan Experience), has led to increased misuse, with some patients abandoning proven therapies. This highlights the need for rigorous research to bridge the gap between anecdotal success and clinical adoption.
The Tippens Protocol raises critical questions about balancing innovation with scientific rigour. Its anecdotal success and preclinical evidence suggest that anti-parasitic drugs warrant further investigation, particularly for aggressive cancers with poor prognoses. The low cost and accessibility of fenbendazole and ivermectin make them appealing for patients in resource-limited settings, potentially democratising cancer care. However, the lack of large-scale trials and regulatory approval limits their integration into standard practice.
To advance the field, researchers should prioritise well-designed clinical trials, as advocated by Dr. Makis and others. Additionally, addressing regulatory barriers, such as streamlining approval processes for off-label use, could facilitate safe exploration of these drugs. Public education is also crucial to counter misinformation and ensure patients make informed decisions in consultation with experienced oncologists.
"Joe Tippens never planned to discover a potential remedy that he credits with saving his life and thrust him into the spotlight among notable cancer survivors. The 67-year-old businessman told The Epoch Times he just wanted to beat a type of cancer with an extremely low survival rate.
In August 2016, Tippens was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer with a fist-sized tumor. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation five times a week in Houston, the large tumor in his left lung was eliminated. However, Tippens said the treatments came closer to killing him than curing him.
When he returned home to Oklahoma after the New Year, he received devastating news. His oncologist told him he had zero chance of surviving for more than a few months.
In January of 2017, my PET scan lit up like a Christmas tree and I had wide metastasis everywhere, including in my neck, bones, pancreas, and liver," Tippens said.
Finding a LifelineFacing a prognosis of three months to live, Tippens heard an intriguing story from a veterinarian he knew: A scientist with terminal cancer reportedly cured her lab mice and then herself using fenbendazole, an antiparasitic drug.
Joe Tippens, an Oklahoma-based businessman, has helped numerous cancer patients after he was cured partly by taking fenbendazole. Photo courtesy of Joe Tippens
The story was the beginning of what eventually became the "Joe Tippens Protocol."
Fenbendazole, used for 30 years to treat intestinal parasites in animals, has not received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for human use, meaning doctors cannot prescribe it for people. However, with a terminal diagnosis and nothing to lose, Tippens decided to try it alongside his conventional treatments.
Tippens found that Panacur, a trade name for fenbendazole, was sold over the counter at outlets that carry veterinary medications.
Starting in the third week of January 2017, Tippens began taking the canine medication, Panacur, 1 gram per day for three consecutive days per week. After four days without the medication, which contains about 222 milligrams of fenbendazole per gram, he would repeat his three-day routine. Three months later, Tippens was cancer-free.
His protocol also included Theracurmin, a form of the active compound in turmeric, and CBD, an extract of cannabis which does not cause intoxication.
Scientific Support and MechanismsDr. William Makis, an oncologist and cancer researcher based in Edmonton, Canada, has studied Tippens's approach and treats cancer patients worldwide, primarily through telehealth.
"I've had several patients declared cancer-free after doing the protocol for a number of months," Makis told The Epoch Times. "What made [Tippens'] situation so powerful is that he cured himself of a cancer that is very aggressive—small cell lung cancer—and he had a terminal diagnosis."
According to Makis, the family of anti-parasitic drugs that includes fenbendazole, mebendazole, and albendazole works well—scientists have found at least 12 ways the medications can fight cancer.
The effectiveness of the drugs stems from key similarities between parasite and cancer cells: both have the capacity for autonomous survival and proliferation, resistance to cell-death pathways, and the ability to circumvent the host immune system.
Anti-parasitic drugs appear to fight cancer through multiple mechanisms:
Boosting protein called p53: P53 is a tumor suppressor protein that helps kill cancer cells.
Blocking glucose uptake: Cancer cells depend on sugar for energy and growth.
Disrupting microtubules: These cellular structures are crucial for cell division of cancer cells.
Affecting mitochondrial function: Depletes cellular energy, increases oxidative stress, and blocks a critical pathway that regulates cell growth of cancer cells.
Researchers at the Stanford University Medical Center have reported several case reports, using fenbendazole to cure Stage 4 cancer cases, Makis said. The series of case reports was published in 2021 in SciTechnol, an online, London-based publisher of scientific journal articles.
A thought-provoking review citing animal studies published in 2024 in Anticancer Research Journal concluded that fenbendazole affects energy metabolism—mainly by increasing the levels of p53 and affecting pathways that control sugar uptake. It ultimately starves cancer cells and causes them to die with minimal harm to normal cells. The researchers concluded that fenbendazole's effects on energy metabolism "could lead to significant advances in cancer treatment."
Some preliminary research also suggested potential anti-cancer mechanisms for fenbendazole. A study published in Scientific Reports in 2018 by researchers in India found that fenbendazole "may be evaluated as a potential therapeutic agent because of its effect on multiple cellular pathways leading to effective elimination of cancer cells." Specifically, fenbendazole interferes with microtubules involved in cell division.
A 2016 study published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications found that ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug approved for human use, shows promise against glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer known for treatment resistance. The drug kills glioblastoma cells and inhibits blood vessel development. In laboratory and mouse studies, ivermectin triggers cancer cell death and significantly reduces tumor growth.
Recent research has shown that a combination of fenbendazole and diisopropylamino dichloroacetate, a compound used to treat hepatitis, has shown some anticancer properties in cell cultures and animal studies. Combined, the drugs kill lung cancer cells more effectively than either drug alone.
Makis has found that combining fenbendazole with ivermectin can increase the protocol's effectiveness.
"When you combine them, you go from attacking cancer in a dozen ways to attacking cancer in two dozen ways," Makis said. "I have found it very reasonable to include both of them in protocols if there is pre-clinical research that each of them has an effect [on] that particular type of cancer. Whenever you have a specific cancer, I want to look at the body of research to see if there is a proven effect of either ivermectin or fenbendazole for that type of cancer. If there is, then I share that research with my patients."
Makis has treated patients with various cancers—from common types like breast, prostate, colon, and lung cancer to rarer forms such as cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) and sarcomas (soft tissue cancers). "I've had several patients declared cancer-free after doing the protocol for a number of months," Makis said.
Although Makis has been recommending ivermectin and fenbendazole for cancer treatment, he acknowledges that many doctors refrain from this practice.
Doctors are very hesitant to help cancer patients with repurposed drugs because of repercussions from the medical boards, Makis said.
"On the other hand, you have doctors who are willing to help patients with repurposed drugs but no experience with oncology," he said.
When asked whether he recommends that cancer patients consult with an integrative physician who approves of those treatments, Makis said it is good for a patient to have a relationship with a doctor who has experience with oncology.
"It depends on the physician's background," Makis said. "Some doctors have extensive experience, after seeing cancer patients for many years."
Patient Success StoriesDonna Leland, 64, a show host on the national Moody Radio Network, was diagnosed with Stage 3 cervical and endometrial cancer in April 2023. She underwent a hysterectomy but declined the recommended chemotherapy and radiation.
"I had seen the outcome for other people who had gone that route," Leland told The Epoch Times. "Some had gotten all cleared, but then the cancer came back. I know it diminishes your own immune system's ability to fight off disease."
Leland told the doctor she did not want those treatments and asked for another option. But she was offered nothing else.
"I knew there had to be a better way than to fry everything. I just said, 'I'd rather die than fry.'"
Leland began taking fenbendazole and ivermectin. She also found support from Terry Harmon, a chiropractor and functional medicine physician in Kentucky.
Harmon says more than 100 of his patients have reported positive health benefits from using fenbendazole or ivermectin.
"The reason so many people are finding success is twofold," Harmon told The Epoch Times. "It is addressing infections. It helps the body heal and get stronger. There is research showing this combination helps the body's ability genetically to kill cancer and prevent cancer from growing and spreading."
Leland said she had confirmation of the effectiveness of these alternative treatments from studies on ivermectin, fenbendazole, and other anti-parasitic drugs. Mebendazole is another anti-parasitic drug that both Makis and Harmon recommended as an effective cancer treatment.
One year after her hysterectomy, Leland said she is healthier than she has ever been, partly because of her continuing use of anti-parasitic drugs for preventive purposes.
"After being checked every three months for evidence of cancer, my oncologist continues to declare me cancer-free."
"I feel like I'm 20 years younger," Leland said. "God has been faithful to lead me on this journey."
Global ImpactThe Tippens Protocol has achieved significant international reach, particularly in China, where a translated blog has garnered more than 20 million views. This has led to an estimated 70,000 followers of what's affectionately called the "Uncle Joey Protocol."
Despite opportunities to monetize his discovery, Tippens has refused all financial gain.
"I have had search engine experts who have told me I could monetize this blog to the tune of $25,000 to $30,000 per month," he said. "I can't do that for a simple reason: I have hundreds of people who have told me the reason they believe me and trust me is because I am doing all this and not monetizing it. The second I monetized it, I would be just another guy out there hawking product out on the Internet, trying to make money."
Tippens warns about fraudulent Facebook pages that falsely use his name to sell substandard drugs.
Regulatory and Medical ChallengesThe FDA confirmed that it has not approved "drug products containing fenbendazole for use in humans," said Lauren-Jei McCarthy, FDA press officer, in a statement to The Epoch Times. It has not gone through the rigorous testing and clinical trials required for drugs intended for human use. Fenbendazole is approved by the FDA as an antiparasitic drug for use in animals. It is commonly used to deworm dogs, cats, horses, and cattle.
Ivermectin, while FDA-approved for human use against parasitic worms, is not approved for cancer treatment. Health care providers may prescribe ivermectin to fight cancer as a repurposed medication. Both medications are available without prescriptions and are routinely purchased for veterinary use.
Makis, who has been at the cutting edge of advocating for holistic treatments that include the repurposed drugs, said he believes we are in a revolutionary era of effective cancer treatments.
"This is the first time in several generations there is a strong movement for true medical freedom, to allow for exploration of treatments that don't benefit any big company," he said.
Serious side effects from fenbendazole and ivermectin are rare, Makis said."
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