National Cancer Institute Explores Ivermectin as a Potential Cancer Therapy

Oncology nurses frequently address patient questions regarding unconventional or repurposed therapies, including prescription medications and supplements that patients may be interested in using instead of or in addition to standard cancer treatment. These conversations can be challenging given the vast number of therapies available, the frequent lack of evidence supporting many of these approaches, and the potential for unknown drug–drug interactions with active cancer treatments. Increasingly, these questions are driven by social media, anecdotal reports, and a desire for more accessible or less toxic treatment options.

One of the most visible examples in recent years is ivermectin, an antiparasitic medication that has gained attention as a potential cancer therapy. Interest has grown to the point that the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has initiated preclinical research to further evaluate its anticancer properties, as announced by NCI director Dr. Anthony Letai at a recent event.¹

This decision by the NCI to study ivermectin reflects a complex dynamic in oncology care: the intersection of public enthusiasm, limited scientific evidence, and the responsibility of clinicians to guide patients toward safe, effective treatment decisions.

Why ivermectin is being studied

The scientific rationale for studying ivermectin in cancer is not entirely without merit. Preclinical studies have suggested that ivermectin may have antitumor effects through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and modulation of signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt/mTOR.² Like many repurposed drugs, ivermectin is appealing because of its well-established safety profile in approved indications, relatively low cost, and widespread availability.

Drug repurposing is an important and valid area of oncology research. Many effective cancer therapies have emerged from this approach. However, preclinical activity alone is not sufficient to establish clinical benefit, and the history of oncology drug development is filled with agents that showed promise in laboratory models but failed to translate into meaningful outcomes for patients.

What the evidence shows right now

Despite growing interest, there is currently no high-quality clinical evidence demonstrating that ivermectin is effective as a cancer treatment. There are no large randomized controlled trials supporting its use, and available data in humans remain extremely limited. Some early-phase investigations have been incomplete or withdrawn.³

This gap between laboratory findings and clinical application is critical. While preclinical studies can generate hypotheses, they do not establish efficacy, appropriate dosing, or safety in oncology populations. In some cases, the concentrations of ivermectin required to achieve antitumor effects in vitro exceed what can be safely achieved in humans, raising additional concerns about feasibility.

When public interest drives research

The decision by the NCI to study ivermectin has sparked debate within the oncology community. On one hand, investigating widely discussed therapies in a controlled, scientific manner can help definitively answer questions about efficacy and safety. On the other hand, some experts have raised concerns about whether public momentum, rather than strong scientific rationale, is influencing research priorities.

Nursing considerations

Oncology nurses play a central role in navigating these complex discussions with patients. Patients may feel hopeful, skeptical, or even defensive when raising therapies like ivermectin, and the response from the clinical team can shape their willingness to engage in open dialogue.

It is essential for nurses to approach these conversations with curiosity and without judgment, while still providing clear, evidence-based guidance. Patients should be informed that ivermectin is not an approved cancer treatment and that current data do not support its use outside of a clinical trial. At the same time, nurses should assess for off-label use, as patients may not always volunteer this information unless specifically asked.

Education should also include discussion of potential risks, including unknown drug interactions and toxicity at doses that differ from standard antiparasitic use. Reinforcing the importance of evidence-based therapies, while acknowledging the emotional drivers behind seeking alternatives, can help maintain trust and support informed decision-making.

References

1. Pradhan, R. National Cancer Institute studying ivermectin’s ‘ability to kill cancer cells,’ alarming career scientists. STAT News. February 10, 2026. Accessed April 3, 2026. https://www.statnews.com/2026/02/10/ivermectin-for-cancer-national-cancer-institute-preclinical-study/
2. Liu J, Zhang K, Cheng L, Zhu H, Xu T. Progress in Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Antitumour Effects of Ivermectin. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020;14:285-296. Published 2020 Jan 21. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S237393
3. Patel Y, Chawla J, Parmar MS. Ivermectin in Cancer Treatment: Should Healthcare Providers Caution or Explore Its Therapeutic Potential?. Curr Oncol Rep. 2025;27(9):1070-1079. doi:10.1007/s11912-025-01704-z