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Ivermectin and Cancer: 7 Science-Backed Insights Every Patient Should Understand

January 31, 2026 Blog, Podcast

Ivermectin is one of the most talked-about repurposed drugs in modern medicine—but when it comes to cancer, the conversation is often confusing, polarizing, and incomplete.

In this episode of the Believe Big Podcast, host Ivelisse Page welcomes back Dr. Lucas Tims, naturopathic oncologist at Root Causes Medical Clinic, to unpack what the science actually says about ivermectin, where it may fit into integrative cancer care, and why it should never be approached as a standalone solution.

This episode is not about hype—it’s about clarity, safety, and empowering patients with evidence-based understanding.

7 Key Takeaways from Episode 108

  1. Ivermectin Is a Long-Standing, Widely Used Medication

Originally developed in the 1970s as an anti-parasitic drug, ivermectin has been used safely for decades, with millions of doses administered worldwide. It has even been referred to as a “wonder drug” due to its effectiveness in treating diseases like river blindness.

Its long safety history is one reason researchers began exploring additional uses.

  1. Why Researchers Began Studying Ivermectin for Cancer

As drugs go off-patent, researchers often explore whether they can be repurposed. In lab and animal studies, ivermectin has shown potential to:

  • Inhibit cancer cell growth
  • Influence cancer stem cells
  • Affect tumor signaling pathways

⚠️ Important note: These findings are preclinical, not large-scale human trials.

  1. Cancer Treatment Needs Both “Offense and Defense”

Dr. Tims uses a powerful analogy:

  • Offense: chemotherapy, radiation, surgery
  • Defense: nutrition, immune support, repurposed drugs, mistletoe, IV vitamin C

Ivermectin falls on the defensive side, potentially helping block pathways cancer cells use to survive and recur.

  1. Cancer Stem Cells Are a Critical Missing Piece

Traditional treatments often target fast-growing tumor cells—but cancer stem cells are more resistant and can drive recurrence and metastasis.

➡️ Repurposed drugs like ivermectin may play a role in addressing these harder-to-reach cells when used as part of a broader integrative strategy.

  1. Ivermectin May Support Immunotherapy—Indirectly

Early research suggests ivermectin may help modify tumor environments by:

  • Increasing expression of immune checkpoint receptors (like PD-L1)
  • Potentially turning “cold” tumors into “hot” tumors

This could help enhance responsiveness to immunotherapies—but again, this is an adjunctive, not primary, role.

  1. Safety Matters—But So Does Oversight

Ivermectin has a strong safety profile when used correctly, but Dr. Tims emphasizes:

  • Dosing matters
  • Drug interactions matter
  • Individual biology matters

🚨 DIY protocols can miss critical nuances—especially for patients on blood thinners, psych meds, or with certain tumor types.

  1. Ivermectin Is a Tool—Not a Treatment Plan

One of the most important takeaways:

“I wouldn’t rely on ivermectin—or any repurposed drug—as your cancer treatment.”

Instead, it may serve as one defensive player on a much larger team, alongside:

  • Conventional oncology
  • Integrative therapies
  • Nutrition & metabolic support
  • Mindset, faith, and advocacy

Learn more about Dr. Lucas Tims here:  Root Causes – Providers

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