Published online Jun 18, 2026. doi: 10.13105/wjma.v14.i2.121391
Revised: April 13, 2026
Accepted: June 1, 2026
Published online: June 18, 2026
Processing time: 80 Days and 22.4 Hours
Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug, has recently gained attention as a potential candidate for repurposing in cancer therapy. However, the clinical safety and implications of its use in this context remain inadequately explored.
To map existing preclinical evidence on ivermectin’s anticancer mechanisms, evaluate its therapeutic role in cancer treatment, and identify known or potential drug interactions relevant to oncology practice.
A systematic search was conducted across PubMed and EMBASE, covering publications from January 2000 up to the present to identify studies eligible for inclusion in accordance with PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.
A total of 43 studies were included in this review. The data extracted from the studies covered ivermectin therapy across breast, colorectal, glioblastoma, and hematologic malignancies. Most studies showed that Ivermectin exerts its anticancer effects by inhibiting P-glycoprotein and tumor proliferation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and modulating various oncogenic molecular pathways.
Ivermectin shows potential as a repurposed anticancer agent, particularly as an adjunct to conventional therapies. However, robust clinical trials are needed to validate efficacy, optimize dosing, and ensure safety. This review provides a foundational framework for future translational and clinical research in oncology.
Core Tip: Ivermectin shows promise as a repurposed anticancer agent by targeting multiple molecular pathways, including inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, modulation of p21-activated kinase 1 activity, and induction of mitochondrial dysfunction. Its ability to induce apoptosis, suppress tumor growth, and overcome drug resistance highlights its therapeutic potential across diverse cancer types. Available clinical evidence is preliminary and requires rigorous clinical validation to establish safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing in oncology. Ivermectin’s multitargeted mechanisms make it a possible candidate for cancer therapy, but translation into clinical practice demands cautious, evidence-based evaluation through well-designed clinical trials.