A surprising breakthrough in cancer research shows that mebendazole, a common anti-parasitic drug, can trigger the death of colon cancer cells. In recent studies, researchers found that about 78% (±12%) of human colon cancer cells entered apoptosis, or programmed cell death, within just 48 hours of treatment. This discovery highlights the potential of repurposing existing medications to fight aggressive cancers more effectively.
Mebendazole works by disrupting microtubules within cancer cells, interfering with their ability to divide and survive. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, this approach could target cancer cells while causing fewer side effects for patients. While these findings are primarily from laboratory studies, they offer promising avenues for future clinical trials and the development of new colon cancer therapies.