Ivermectin for Cancer: NCI Launches Preclinical Study | STAT News

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is undertaking a preclinical study to investigate the potential of ivermectin, a drug primarily used to treat parasitic infections in humans and animals, as a cancer treatment. This move, announced by NCI Director Dr. Anthony Letai, has raised eyebrows within the scientific community, particularly given the drug’s controversial history and lack of established efficacy against cancer.

Dr. Letai, appointed to the NCI directorship in September 2025 by the previous administration, stated that the decision to study ivermectin stemmed from “enough reports of it, enough interest in it.” He did not, however, specify what those reports entailed or what new evidence prompted the agency to explore this avenue of research. The NCI is now engaged in a “better preclinical study of its properties and its ability to kill cancer cells,” according to reporting from STAT News.

Ivermectin is commonly used as a dewormer for horses and is prescribed to humans for certain parasitic infections. Its potential application in cancer treatment is a relatively recent area of investigation, and the NCI’s decision to pursue this line of inquiry is notable, especially considering the drug’s contentious past. The drug gained significant, and often controversial, attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, with some advocating for its use as a preventative and treatment despite a lack of robust scientific evidence supporting those claims. Regulatory bodies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have repeatedly cautioned against its use for conditions outside of its approved indications.

The NCI’s study is currently in the preclinical phase, meaning it involves laboratory research and animal studies. This initial stage is crucial for assessing the drug’s potential effectiveness and safety before it can be considered for human clinical trials. Preclinical studies help researchers understand how ivermectin interacts with cancer cells, identify potential mechanisms of action, and determine appropriate dosages. It’s important to emphasize that these early findings do not guarantee that ivermectin will ultimately prove to be a viable cancer treatment.

The decision by Dr. Letai to initiate this research has reportedly caused concern among career scientists at the NCI, who find the move unusual given the lack of compelling preliminary data. The fact that Dr. Letai did not cite specific evidence prompting the study adds to the questions surrounding the NCI’s rationale.

The FDA is also currently grappling with issues related to pharmaceutical advertising, particularly during high-profile events like the Super Bowl. According to reporting from Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, the FDA is seeking to “rein in drug ads,” but it remains to be seen how effective these efforts will be. February 2nd saw a disclosure from Moderna regarding a rejection of their flu vaccine application, a decision reportedly made by the FDA’s vaccines chief overruling staff recommendations. This situation highlights the complexities and potential for internal disagreements within regulatory agencies.

The broader landscape of health and medical journalism is also evolving. STAT, a health care, medicine, and biotech news site, is celebrating its 10th anniversary and continues to thrive, demonstrating the demand for in-depth reporting on these critical topics. Founded on the principle of providing “immediate” information – hence the name STAT – the publication has garnered numerous awards and a growing audience, reaching approximately 7.5 million views per month. STAT’s success is particularly notable in a challenging news economy, and the site experienced a “Trump bump” in subscription sign-ups, with a 45% increase year-over-year, likely due to increased public interest in health-related issues during that period.

that the NCI’s investigation into ivermectin is still in its very early stages. While the potential for repurposing existing drugs for new indications is a promising area of research, We see essential to approach such investigations with scientific rigor and transparency. The public should remain cautiously optimistic, recognizing that many promising preclinical findings ultimately fail to translate into effective treatments for humans. Further research, including well-designed clinical trials, will be necessary to determine whether ivermectin has any legitimate role to play in the fight against cancer.

The NCI’s decision also underscores the importance of independent scientific evaluation and the need to avoid basing medical decisions on anecdotal evidence or unsubstantiated claims. The ongoing scrutiny of pharmaceutical advertising and regulatory processes further emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the healthcare system. As STAT News continues to report on these critical issues, it serves as a vital resource for professionals and the public alike.