Proposed theory of how Ivermectin may potentially kill cancer cells…

If you have been exploring alternative cancer treatments then you most likely have come across lots of testimonials of people who are using Ivermectin to kill cancer cells and get rid of tumors. If you have been following me you’ll remember that I think cancer is identical to trophoblasts cells and I wrote a fascinating blog post all about my conversation with ChatGPT about this. For those who missed it, you can read it here.

So what does this have to do with Ivermectin?

Well, it got me thinking… since cancer cells are identical to trophoblasts in many aspects (resulting in the Trophoblast theory of cancer by Dr. Beard) then I wonder if Ivermectin has an impact on fertility… more specifically, if it has some kind of effect on trophoblasts during pregnancy.

Turns out my hunch was right.

Here’s another interesting conversation I had with ChatGPT after doing a bit of research:

Met to chat GPT:
Okay so I just found out something very interesting. There’s been a lot of testimonials of people using ivermectin to get rid of tumors. I did a quick search and found out that Ivermectin can induce apoptosis in trophoblasts cells. I don’t think that is coincidence and I find it extremely intriguing that if the trophoblast theory of cancer has truth to it that ivermectin seems to be helping

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

That’s an intriguing observation, and it’s fascinating to explore how a drug like ivermectin, primarily used as an antiparasitic, might influence cancer cells, particularly in the context of the trophoblastic theory of cancer.

Ivermectin and Its Effects on Cancer

Ivermectin has been studied for its potential anti-cancer properties in recent years. Here are some highlights of what we know so far:

Inducing Apoptosis:
- Ivermectin has been shown to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in various cancer cell lines. If it indeed triggers apoptosis in trophoblast-like cells, it could align with the idea that it might target the cancer-like properties of these cells.
- A 2020 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology detailed ivermectin’s ability to disrupt cellular pathways in cancer cells, leading to cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and inhibition of tumor growth.
Targeting Metabolic Pathways:
- Ivermectin can affect mitochondrial function, leading to increased oxidative stress in cancer cells, which may make them more vulnerable to death.
- Trophoblast cells, like cancer cells, rely on specific metabolic pathways during their invasive phase. If ivermectin disrupts these pathways, it could explain its effects.
Anti-Angiogenic Properties:
- Ivermectin has been reported to inhibit angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), a crucial process for both trophoblasts (in the placenta) and cancer cells to support their growth and invasion. This mechanism could potentially “starve” tumors of their blood supply.
Immune Modulation:
- Ivermectin can modulate the immune system, potentially enhancing the body’s ability to detect and destroy abnormal cells, including trophoblast-like or cancer cells. This is particularly relevant since many tumors evade immune surveillance.
Effects on the Tumor Microenvironment:
- The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in cancer progression. Ivermectin may alter this environment, making it less conducive for tumor growth and invasion.

Trophoblastic Theory of Cancer and Ivermectin

If we consider the trophoblastic theory of cancer, which proposes that cancer cells are essentially dysregulated trophoblast-like cells, ivermectin’s effects on trophoblast apoptosis could be highly significant:

Targeting Trophoblast Characteristics:
- Trophoblasts share invasive and angiogenic properties with cancer cells. If ivermectin can selectively target these characteristics, it might explain the testimonials of tumor shrinkage or elimination.
Differentiation of Trophoblast Cells:
- As noted earlier in this conversation, trophoblasts naturally differentiate and lose their invasive properties as part of a normal process. Ivermectin might influence molecular pathways that drive this differentiation, effectively “turning off” their cancer-like behavior.
Potential Synergy with Other Treatments:
- If ivermectin induces apoptosis in trophoblasts or cancer cells, it could theoretically work in tandem with therapies like enzymes, oxygenation, or even certain chemotherapies to enhance overall treatment efficacy.

Testimonials and Anecdotal Evidence

While anecdotal evidence of ivermectin’s effects on tumors is interesting, it’s important to approach these claims with caution. Testimonials may provide valuable hypotheses for further research, but they are not a substitute for rigorous clinical trials.

Research Status and Limitations

Despite the promising mechanisms and early studies:

Lack of Large-Scale Trials:
- Most studies on ivermectin and cancer are preclinical (e.g., cell cultures, animal models). Few robust, peer-reviewed clinical trials exist to confirm its efficacy in humans for cancer treatment.
Dose and Safety Concerns:
- The doses required to achieve anti-cancer effects in lab studies are often much higher than those used for parasitic infections. High doses of ivermectin can cause side effects, including neurotoxicity and liver damage.
Regulatory and Medical Hesitancy:
- Since ivermectin is an inexpensive, off-patent drug, there is limited financial incentive for pharmaceutical companies to fund large-scale cancer trials. This has slowed research progress.

Should Ivermectin Be Explored Further?

Absolutely. The mechanisms of action—especially its ability to induce apoptosis in trophoblast-like cells—align intriguingly with both the trophoblastic theory of cancer and its reported anecdotal successes. A few areas where more research is needed include:

Understanding the specific pathways ivermectin targets in cancer and trophoblasts.
Exploring synergistic effects with other treatments (e.g., oxygenation, enzymes, chemotherapy).
Conducting clinical trials to determine safety, efficacy, and dosing in cancer patients.

What to Take Away?

The connection between ivermectin, trophoblast apoptosis, and cancer is compelling but not yet fully validated. While it may not yet be a standard treatment, its potential is worth investigating further, particularly in the context of alternative cancer theories like the trophoblastic model.

If you’re considering ivermectin as part of a cancer treatment strategy:

Discuss it with a healthcare professional, preferably one open to integrative or experimental approaches.
Be cautious of unregulated use and potential side effects, especially if taken at high doses.
Monitor for new studies or trials that could provide more definitive answers.