What the Researchers Studied

The researchers tested fenbendazole in two main ways:

• On breast cancer cells in the lab
• In mice implanted with breast cancer tumors

Their goal was not to prove a cure, but to understand how fenbendazole interacts with cancer cells and whether it shows anti-cancer activity under controlled conditions.

What They Found

1. Tumor growth slowed in mice
   Mice treated with fenbendazole developed smaller tumors compared to untreated mice. Tumor growth was noticeably slower over time.
2. Cancer cells were pushed into a specific type of cell death
   Fenbendazole triggered a process called pyroptosis. Unlike quiet cell death (where cells simply shut down), pyroptosis causes cancer cells to swell, rupture, and self-destruct in a way that can alert the immune system.
3. In simple terms, the cancer cells didn’t just stop growing — they were forced into a violent shutdown they couldn’t easily escape.
4. Cancer’s energy supply was disrupted
   Cancer cells depend heavily on sugar for fuel. The study showed that fenbendazole reduced activity of a key enzyme (HK2) involved in glycolysis, the process cancer cells use to rapidly generate energy.
5. By interfering with this energy system, fenbendazole made it harder for cancer cells to survive and multiply.
6. Limited toxicity was observed in mice
   Compared to traditional chemotherapy used as a control in the study, fenbendazole did not cause obvious liver or kidney damage in the mice. Body weight and organ tissue appeared largely unaffected during the study period.

What This Means — and What It Doesn’t

This study helps researchers better understand how fenbendazole may affect cancer cells at a metabolic level. It supports the idea that disrupting cancer’s energy systems and survival mechanisms is an area worth further investigation.

At the same time:

• This was not a human trial
• The findings do not prove fenbendazole is a cancer treatment
• Dosage, safety, and effectiveness in humans remain unknown
• Clinical trials would be required before any medical use could be considered

Why This Research Matters

Much of modern cancer research is shifting toward metabolic and systems-based approaches—looking beyond tumors alone and examining how cancer cells fuel themselves, resist treatment, and return after therapy.

This study contributes to that growing body of research by showing that fenbendazole:

• Interferes with cancer metabolism
• Activates a hard-to-avoid form of cancer cell death
• Demonstrates these effects in pre-clinical models without obvious toxicity

It doesn’t offer answers yet, but it adds important data to an ongoing scientific conversation.

Disclaimer:
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Journey to Wellness does not provide medical advice or recommend any treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions related to cancer care, medications, or supplements.

The post Fenbendazole and Breast Cancer: What a New Study Found first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

What if cancer treatment could target not just tumors, but the fuel source that keeps them alive? That’s the idea Dr. Pete Sulack discusses in a recent video (watch it here) after a new study published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine on September 19, 2024.

According to the study, researchers introduced the first peer-reviewed protocol combining three repurposed drugs — ivermectin, mebendazole, and fenbendazole — used together with orthomolecular support and lifestyle therapies. The goal: disrupt the mitochondria within cancer stem cells, which fuel cancer’s ability to grow, resist treatment, and return after remission.

In the video, Dr. Sulack explains it this way:

“This protocol doesn’t just throw medicine at the tumor. It targets the mitochondria stem cell connection — the actual engine room of cancer.”

He describes this as more than a treatment strategy — it’s a framework for thinking differently about cancer:

“Repurposed drugs, orthomolecular support, lifestyle therapies. It’s not a silver bullet. It’s not a replacement for care, but a blueprint for hope.”

While he stresses that the science is still early and that clinical trials are needed, Dr. Sulack views this as a promising step forward:

“The science is early. Clinical trials still need to be done. But make no mistake — this is a major step forward in how we think about cancer.”

Dr. Sulack, who openly shares his own stage 4 brain cancer recovery journey, closes his message with gratitude and compassion:

“If you want my entire healing protocol, the one that I used to overcome stage 4 brain cancer, simply comment ‘protocol’ below. I’ll gladly send it to you for free. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I love you all so much.”

At Journey to Wellness, we value voices like Dr. Sulack’s — those willing to explore new scientific ideas while keeping faith and empathy at the center of the conversation. His emphasis on metabolic health, lifestyle choices, and repurposed compounds reflects a growing movement toward integrative education in cancer care.

Still, as Dr. Sulack himself notes, this approach does not replace medical treatment or clinical supervision. It’s a conversation starter—a way of asking how we might one day treat the root of cancer, not just its symptoms.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Journey to Wellness does not provide medical advice or endorse any specific treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or modifying any therapy or supplement regimen.

The post Dr. Pete Sulack on Repurposed Drugs and Hope for the Future of Cancer Care first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

Targeting Cancer Growth Pathways

One of the key ways niclosamide works is by blocking the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This pathway is crucial for cancer cell growth and spread. A study published in PLOS ONE showed that niclosamide suppresses this pathway by promoting the degradation of a protein called LRP6, leading to reduced cancer cell proliferation.

Niclosamide also inhibits the STAT3 and NF-κB pathways, both of which are involved in inflammation and cancer cell survival. Research from Cancer Letters indicates that niclosamide can block these pathways, potentially making cancer cells more susceptible to treatment.

Disrupting Cancer Cell Energy Production

Another way niclosamide may combat cancer is by acting as a mitochondrial uncoupler. This means it disrupts the energy production in cancer cells, making it harder for them to survive. A study in Nature Communications found that niclosamide-induced mitochondrial uncoupling can lead to cancer cell death, especially in cells with certain mutations.

Comparing Niclosamide to Other Repurposed Drugs

Niclosamide’s multi-targeted approach sets it apart from other repurposed drugs like ivermectin and fenbendazole. While ivermectin primarily affects protein transport within cells and fenbendazole disrupts the structural components of cancer cells, niclosamide attacks multiple survival pathways simultaneously, including Wnt/β-catenin, STAT3, and NF-κB.

Niclosamide shows promise as a potential cancer treatment by targeting multiple pathways that cancer cells rely on. While more research and clinical trials are needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety in cancer therapy, the existing studies provide a strong foundation for its potential use in oncology.

Endnotes

1. Lu, W. et al. (2011). Niclosamide suppresses cancer cell growth by inducing Wnt co-receptor LRP6 degradation and inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. PLOS ONE, 6(12), e29290. Link
2. Li, Y. et al. (2014). Multi-targeted therapy of cancer by niclosamide. Cancer Letters, 349(1), 8-14. Link
3. Wang, Y. et al. (2018). Niclosamide induces mitochondrial uncoupling and inhibits cancer cell growth. Nature Communications, 9, 4361. Link

The post An Old Drug with New Potential in Cancer Treatment first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

What Exactly is Fenbendazole?

First, let’s talk basics. Fenbendazole belongs to a class of drugs called benzimidazoles, which veterinarians commonly use to treat worms and parasites in animals. But lately, people have been looking at it differently, thanks to anecdotal stories like Joe Tippens, who claimed remarkable results treating his own cancer with this simple animal medication. Stories like his have sparked curiosity, leading scientists to seriously investigate the science behind it.

The New Research Explained (in Easy Terms!)

Now, let’s dig into this new study. The researchers from this September 2024 study tested Fenbendazole on colorectal cancer cells in a lab setting (meaning, outside the human body, in dishes). They wanted to see how the drug might affect the growth and survival of these cancer cells.

Here’s the interesting part: they didn’t just sprinkle Fenbendazole on cancer cells and hope for the best. Instead, they observed carefully, tracking how the drug impacted the cells’ ability to grow, spread, and survive. What they found was pretty intriguing.

Fenbendazole seemed to significantly slow down and even stop the growth of colorectal cancer cells. More than that, it encouraged something called “apoptosis”—which, simply put, means the cancer cells started to self-destruct.

Why is this Significant?

You might wonder why causing cancer cells to self-destruct is such a big deal. Well, one of the biggest problems with cancer is that these cells grow uncontrollably and refuse to die when they should. Healthy cells in our bodies regularly go through cycles of growth and programmed cell death (apoptosis). But cancer cells? They ignore these rules, becoming immortal and rapidly spreading.

What Fenbendazole did in this study is help restore this natural self-destruct mechanism, specifically in colorectal cancer cells. Imagine it like reminding these rogue cells how they’re supposed to behave, helping your body fight back more effectively.

Beyond Just Killing Cancer Cells

Another remarkable discovery was that Fenbendazole seemed to enhance the effectiveness of other cancer treatments, like chemotherapy. This could mean, in practical terms, that lower doses of traditional therapies might be required when combined with Fenbendazole, potentially reducing side effects and improving patient comfort and quality of life.

The researchers concluded that these results are promising enough to warrant further investigation, possibly moving into clinical trials involving human patients. This could be huge because moving to human trials means we’re one step closer to potentially adding Fenbendazole as an official treatment option for colorectal cancer.

Should You Start Taking Fenbendazole?

Hold on—before anyone rushes off to buy Fenbendazole, let’s pause. This study was conducted in a laboratory setting, meaning we’re still in the early stages of research. Fenbendazole is not yet approved by the FDA for cancer treatment, and more studies are absolutely needed to ensure its safety and effectiveness for humans.

Still, it’s encouraging to see researchers exploring innovative, alternative avenues like this. For patients seeking complementary therapies or exploring alternative medicine options, it’s comforting to know scientists are actively investigating these treatments.

What’s Next?

While this research is exciting, it’s just the beginning. The next critical step is conducting human clinical trials, which will help us understand whether these promising lab results will translate into real-world cancer treatment.

As research continues to evolve, we’ll be watching closely. Until then, it’s crucial to have open conversations with your healthcare team about any alternative or complementary therapies you’re considering.

Cancer treatment is a complicated, emotional journey. It’s completely understandable to explore all possible paths, especially those with fewer side effects or more natural approaches. Research like this Fenbendazole study is an exciting development in cancer therapy, reminding us that answers can sometimes come from the most unexpected places.

We’ll keep following this fascinating journey. In the meantime, stay informed, stay hopeful, and always seek professional medical guidance on your path to wellness.

The post What New Research is Saying about Fenbendazole and Cancer first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

Traditional measures like BMI don’t always tell the full story. For instance, a person can have a healthy BMI but still carry excess fat around their waist. This extra belly fat isn’t just inconvenient when buttoning jeans; it’s actually linked to higher risks of various cancers, especially colorectal and breast cancer.

Why is waist size such a big deal? Fat stored around the abdomen, also known as visceral fat, is particularly problematic because it surrounds your internal organs. Unlike fat stored elsewhere on your body, visceral fat actively releases substances that promote inflammation, disrupt hormone balances, and cause metabolic issues—all conditions linked to an increased cancer risk.

There are several natural ways you can help reduce that waistline and, in turn, lower your risk of developing cancer.

First off, let’s talk diet. Incorporating a diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can significantly impact waist size and overall health. Especially beneficial are anti-inflammatory foods, such as berries, leafy greens, fatty fish (like salmon), nuts, and olive oil. These foods can help reduce inflammation throughout your body, which is a critical factor in preventing cancer.

Next up, supplements. Certain natural supplements might also support your health goals. For instance, curcumin—the active ingredient in turmeric—has potent anti-inflammatory properties and is widely studied for its role in cancer prevention. Green tea extract is another great supplement that can boost metabolism and decrease abdominal fat. Always consult with a healthcare provider before adding supplements to your regimen, but it’s comforting to know nature offers us these tools, isn’t it?

And let’s not forget lifestyle changes. Regular physical activity is crucial in managing waist size. Activities like brisk walking, swimming, or even yoga can make a substantial difference. Exercise not only reduces visceral fat but also strengthens your immune system and enhances your body’s natural ability to fight off disease.

Stress management plays a surprising role too. Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, leading directly to increased belly fat storage. Practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking daily walks outdoors can reduce stress and, consequently, visceral fat.

Paying attention to your waistline isn’t just about vanity—it’s a powerful way to proactively manage your cancer risk. With the right mix of diet, supplements, exercise, and stress relief, you can significantly boost your odds of staying healthy and cancer-free.

After all, isn’t it empowering to know that making a few natural adjustments to your lifestyle can genuinely change your health trajectory? Your waist—and your future self—will thank you for it.

The post Is Your Waistline Predicting Your Cancer Risk? first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

Graviola and Its Traditional Uses

For centuries, different cultures have turned to graviola for its medicinal properties. The fruit, leaves, and stems have been used to address:

• Inflammation: Reducing swelling and pain.
• Infections: Combating bacterial and viral infections.
• Digestive Issues: Easing stomach ailments.

Its rich nutrient profile and bioactive compounds have made it a staple in herbal remedies.

The Buzz About Graviola and Cancer

The excitement around graviola’s potential anti-cancer properties primarily stems from laboratory studies. Researchers have discovered that certain compounds in graviola, called acetogenins, can kill cancer cells in test tubes. For instance, studies have shown that graviola extracts can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells by targeting specific pathways.

Another study highlighted graviola’s effect on pancreatic cancer cells, suggesting it could reduce tumor growth and prevent the spread of cancer cells.

From Lab to Real Life: The Big Leap

While these findings are promising, it’s essential to understand that most of this research has been conducted in laboratories or on animals. There’s a significant difference between how a substance behaves in a petri dish and how it works in the human body. As of now, there haven’t been substantial clinical trials involving humans to conclusively determine graviola’s effectiveness as a cancer treatment.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Natural doesn’t always mean safe. Some studies have raised concerns about the potential neurotoxic effects of compounds found in graviola, particularly with prolonged use. There have been reports suggesting a connection between high consumption of graviola and certain neurological disorders.

Additionally, graviola can interfere with imaging tests, such as PET scans, potentially leading to inaccurate results. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating graviola or any supplement into your regimen, especially if you’re undergoing medical treatments.

The Bottom Line

Graviola offers a fascinating glimpse into the potential of natural compounds in the fight against cancer. However, without robust human studies, it’s premature to consider it a viable alternative to established cancer treatments. If you’re intrigued by graviola’s potential benefits, discuss it with your doctor. They can provide guidance tailored to your health needs and ensure that any supplement won’t interfere with your current treatments.

Remember, while exploring natural remedies can be empowering, it’s essential to base health decisions on credible research and professional advice.

The post Graviola Treatment for Cancer first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

What Is Fenbendazole?

Fenbendazole is an anti-parasitic drug, commonly administered to animals to eliminate worms and other parasites. Recently, scientists have been investigating its potential beyond veterinary medicine, particularly its effects on cancer cells.

The Study at a Glance

A study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in 2022 examined fenbendazole’s impact on colorectal cancer cells. Researchers treated both standard colon cancer cells and patient-derived 3D tumor organoids with fenbendazole to observe its effects.

Key Findings

• Inducing Cell Death: Within 24 hours of treatment, fenbendazole initiated apoptosis—a process where cancer cells self-destruct. This effect persisted over time, suggesting a sustained impact on cancer cell viability.
• Halting Cell Growth: The drug significantly slowed down the proliferation of cancer cells by causing cell cycle arrest. This means it interrupted the normal cycle of cell growth and division, preventing the cancer cells from multiplying.
• Impact on Cell Cycle Proteins: Fenbendazole affected specific proteins that regulate the cell cycle, particularly cyclin B1 and CDK1, which are crucial for cell division. By altering these proteins, the drug effectively halted the progression of the cell cycle in cancer cells.

Why 3D Tumor Organoids?

Traditional 2D cell cultures often fail to accurately represent the complex environment of solid tumors. In this study, researchers used 3D tumor organoids—miniature, lab-grown versions of tumors derived from patient cells. These organoids provide a more realistic model for studying cancer behavior and treatment responses, enhancing the relevance of the findings.

Implications of the Research

The study suggests that fenbendazole could potentially be repurposed as an anti-cancer agent, specifically for colorectal cancer. Its ability to induce cancer cell death and halt cell proliferation positions it as a promising candidate for further research.

Caution and Next Steps

While these findings are encouraging, it’s important to note that this research is in the early stages. The study was conducted in laboratory settings using cell cultures and animal models. Before fenbendazole can be considered a safe and effective treatment for humans with colorectal cancer, extensive clinical trials are necessary to determine appropriate dosages, efficacy, and safety.

Broader Context

The exploration of fenbendazole’s anti-cancer properties is part of a larger scientific effort to repurpose existing drugs for cancer treatment. This approach can potentially expedite the availability of new therapies, as the safety profiles of these drugs are already well-understood.

About the AACR

The AACR Annual Meeting 2022 highlighted significant advancements in cancer research, including the potential repurposing of fenbendazole as a treatment for colorectal cancer. While promising, these findings are preliminary, and further research is essential to fully understand the implications for human health.

For more detailed information, you can access the full abstract here.

The post Fenbendazole, A Potential Ally Against Colorectal Cancer first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

What Is Cimetidine?

Cimetidine, often known by the brand name Tagamet, is a medication that reduces stomach acid. Doctors prescribe it to treat issues like heartburn and stomach ulcers. It’s been around for decades and is available over the counter.

The Surprising Discovery

Researchers have found that cimetidine does more than just soothe the stomach. It appears to have properties that can help in the fight against cancer. This discovery has opened new avenues for cancer treatment research.

How Does Cimetidine Affect Cancer?

Cimetidine seems to work against cancer in a few ways:

• Boosting the Immune System: It enhances the body’s natural defenses, helping immune cells attack cancer cells more effectively.
• Preventing Cancer Spread: Cimetidine may stop cancer cells from sticking to blood vessels, which is a crucial step in preventing the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
• Enhancing Other Treatments: When used with traditional cancer therapies, cimetidine might improve their effectiveness, making treatments more successful.

Evidence from Studies

Various studies have explored cimetidine’s potential in cancer treatment:

• Colorectal Cancer: Some research indicates that patients with colorectal cancer who took cimetidine had better survival rates.
• Gastric Cancer: While results are mixed, certain studies suggest cimetidine could benefit patients with stomach cancer.
• Melanoma and Kidney Cancer: Early research shows promise, but more studies are needed to confirm cimetidine’s effectiveness for these cancers.

Why Is This Important?

Finding new uses for existing drugs, like cimetidine, can speed up the development of new treatments. Since cimetidine is already approved for use and has a known safety profile, repurposing it for cancer treatment could bring benefits to patients more quickly than developing entirely new drugs.

What’s Next?

While the findings are promising, more research is necessary to fully understand how cimetidine can be integrated into cancer treatment plans. Clinical trials and further studies will help determine the most effective ways to use this medication against cancer.

Conclusion

The discovery that cimetidine, a common heartburn medicine, may help in the fight against cancer is an exciting development. It highlights the potential of repurposing existing drugs to find new treatments for serious diseases. As research continues, we may see cimetidine playing a significant role in cancer therapy, offering hope to many patients worldwide.

Cite

Pantziarka P, Bouche G, Meheus L, Sukhatme V, Sukhatme VP. Repurposing drugs in oncology (ReDO)-cimetidine as an anti-cancer agent. Ecancermedicalscience. 2014 Nov 26;8:485. doi: 10.3332/ecancer.2014.485. PMID: 25525463; PMCID: PMC4268104.

The post Heartburn Medicine Cimetidine Shows Promise in Cancer Treatment first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

One key finding Dr. Makis points out is that the maximum therapeutic benefit of these drugs was achieved when combined with a ketogenic diet, emphasizing the importance of starving cancer cells of glucose. He outlines dosing protocols for various stages of cancer, recommending specific doses of Fenbendazole and Mebendazole depending on the patient’s cancer type, stage, and weight.

This article, part of Dr. Makis’ extensive body of work, showcases his deep expertise in cancer treatment, particularly in using repurposed drugs. His work has garnered widespread attention, including mentions on major platforms like Joe Rogan’s podcast. Dr. Makis continues to advocate for patient empowerment through knowledge, urging individuals to explore all available options, particularly when conventional treatments may not suffice.

Dr. Makis’ long-standing career includes over 11 years of experience as a Nuclear Medicine Oncologist at the Cross Cancer Institute and a faculty role at the University of Alberta. His research and dedication to integrating repurposed drugs into cancer care have made him one of the most followed oncologists in the world, with over 320,000 followers on social media. Through his work, he aims to offer patients a broader understanding of alternative cancer treatments and protocols. You can explore more of his insights and protocols on his popular Substack platform.

Dr. Makis’ groundbreaking research continues to inspire hope in patients worldwide by providing alternative treatment options that challenge conventional cancer care. As more studies unfold, Fenbendazole and Mebendazole may become more central to cancer care strategies.

The post Dr. William Makis Reveals Groundbreaking Protocols for Using Fenbendazole and Mebendazole in Cancer Treatment first appeared on Journey to Wellness.

Prostate cancer is notoriously difficult to treat once it stops responding to hormone-based therapies, which are designed to reduce testosterone — the hormone that fuels tumor growth. Adding to the challenge, immunotherapies, often effective for cancers like melanoma, have proven less successful for solid tumors such as prostate cancer.

However, this new study shows that (R)-9b works on multiple fronts. It not only disrupts the cancer’s reliance on testosterone by blocking androgen receptors but also activates the body’s T cells to attack the tumor and boosts the ability of these immune cells to penetrate and kill cancerous cells. Researchers believe this could lead to a more effective strategy for patients with resistant forms of prostate cancer.

While further research is needed, particularly in human trials, the findings could open up new pathways for treating other hormone-dependent cancers, including breast cancer. The study, published in Nature Communications, offers a new glimpse into the future of cancer therapy — one that combines multiple treatment approaches to tackle the disease from every angle.

The post New Study Shows Promising Drug for Hard-to-Treat Prostate Cancer first appeared on Journey to Wellness.