Recently, there has been a surge of interest in studying alternative cancer treatments. Albendazole and fenbendazole, developed initially as anthelmintic drugs, have emerged as potential game changers. This article provides an in-depth assessment of their possible applications, effectiveness, and distinctions, focusing on their future role in cancer therapy.
WHAT ARE Fenbendazole and Albendazole?
Albendazole and fenbendazole are commonly used medications to treat parasitic diseases. Both are antihelmintic and belong to the benzimidazole class. They typically target a variety of parasitic worms and liver flukes found in both people and animals.
Albendazole
Albendazole, a broad-spectrum anthelmintic, treats parasitic diseases in humans. It is effective against parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, and liver flukes. Albendazole kills parasites by inhibiting microtubule polymerisation.
Fenbendazole
Another benzimidazole is fenbendazole, which is primarily used in veterinary medicine. It effectively treats animal gastrointestinal parasites such as roundworms and liver flukes by disrupting their energy metabolism.
Anthelmintics and Cancer
Recent research has examined the potential anti-cancer properties of albendazole and fenbendazole. Preclinical studies on both drugs have shown promise in limiting cancer cell growth and proliferation.
Prospects of Albendazole in Cancer Therapy
Albendazole has been proven in several trials to have anti-cancer properties. It appears to interfere with the microtubules required for cell division, harming cancer cells. Albendazole may limit cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting microtubule production. Albendazole may also block cancer cells from absorbing glucose, depriving them of energy and causing them to die.
Fenbendazole has cancer-fighting effects.
Fenbendazole has sparked interest due to preliminary research and anecdotal evidence pointing to its anti-cancer effects. It may hinder cancer cells from metabolising glucose and is thought to induce apoptosis or programmed cell death in such cells. Even though fenbendazole is primarily used in animals, cautious optimism is required to study and investigate its potential in treating cancer in people.
Comparison between Fenbendazole and Albendazole
Even though albendazole and fenbendazole belong to the same pharmaceutical family and have similar mechanisms of action, there are some significant differences:
Approved Uses: Fenbendazole is mainly used in veterinary settings, while albendazole is approved for human use.
Mechanism of Action: While both drugs block parasites from building microtubules, their efficacy in treating cancer may vary.
Data and Proof: Albendazole has more data to support its potential use in cancer treatment than Fenbendazole, which is now in development.
Safety and Adverse Reactions
While albendazole and fenbendazole are generally well tolerated, they can have the following side effects:
Albendazole: Although it is generally recognised as safe in animals, its safety profile in humans is poorly understood and should be carefully considered. It could cause liver damage, bone marrow suppression, and gastrointestinal issues.
Final Thought
Albendazole and Fenbendazole are up-and-coming non-traditional cancer treatments. Albendazole has a solid scientific background and is approved for human use, but Fenbendazole’s potential is clear, even with its current veterinary designation.
As research continues, these drugs may give cancer patients seeking alternative treatments new hope. However, before you consider using any off-label drug to treat cancer, consult with a medical professional.
References
- Gupta, S. C., & Prasad, S. (2020). Potential of albendazole as an anti-cancer agent. Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics, 16(4), 587-592.
- Pantziarka, P., et al. (2014). Repurposing drugs in oncology (ReDO)—mebendazole as an anti-cancer agent. Ecancermedicalscience, 8, 443.
- Rios, J. A., et al. (2020). Fenbendazole: A potential anti-cancer agent. Journal of Veterinary Science, 21(5), e74.
