Outcome of ivermectin in cancer treatment: an experience in Loja, Ecuador
A survey in rural Ecuador found that about one in five people with cancer were taking cattle ivermectin alongside their treatment, while the specialists interviewed said there was no evidence and did not recommend it.
Overview
Using observation, surveys and interviews in the rural Loja province, the study found that 19 percent of participants diagnosed with cancer took ivermectin-based medicines, commonly used in cattle, as an alternative therapy without leaving chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy, while 81 percent used it for other diseases (Loja survey 2023). Participants said they felt better after the third dose; the specialists interviewed said there was no authorisation to prescribe it, no scientific knowledge of its use in humans for cancer, and that they did not recommend it (Loja survey 2023).
- 19 percent of surveyed cancer patients used ivermectin as an add-on to their treatment.
- Self-reported improvement only; specialists interviewed did not recommend it.
Shows how widespread use already is where cancer care is expensive, and why the ICONIC investigators cite it as a reason to run a proper trial.
- Small mixed-methods survey; no clinical outcomes measured.
Similar pages
not linked directly; found by shared links- Key paperThe threat of medical misinformation: a case of ivermectin toxicity in a pediatric oncology patient
Shares ICONIC: ivermectin combined with immune checkpoint inhibition in cancer (University of Florida phase 2), Ivermectin, Misinformation and unproven therapies.
- Key paperLife-threatening neurotoxicity following off-label ivermectin use in metastatic breast cancer: a case report
- TrialAtavistic chemotherapy: combinations of antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal drugs in advanced cancer (Arguello clinic, status unknown)
- Key paperCancer therapy using antiparasitic medications guided by acupuncture meridian assessment: a case series of six patients
- Key paperIvermectin converts cold tumors hot and synergizes with immune checkpoint blockade for treatment of breast cancer (with 2026 expression of concern)
Shares ICONIC: ivermectin combined with immune checkpoint inhibition in cancer (University of Florida phase 2), Ivermectin.
- Key paperIvermectin treatment for gynecologic cancers: hope versus hype
- Key paperIvermectin-benzimidazole prescribing following celebrity endorsement
- Key paperDrug-induced liver injury following co-ingestion of veterinary fenbendazole and ivermectin for prostate cancer: a case report