Fenben lab fenbendazol (methyl N-(6-phenylsulfanyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl) carbamate) is a broad-spectrum antihelminth compound with anthelmintic activities mediated by binding to b-tubulin microtubule subunits and disrupting their polymerization. Recently, benzimidazole compounds have also been shown to possess cytostatic and antineoplastic properties via similar mechanisms. These effects are attributed to their sensitivity to oxygen and their ability to block mitochondrial activity (11, 12).
This drug is used by veterinarians to treat parasites such as roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. It has also been shown to have some anticancer activity in lab experiments. It is a moderate-acting medication and should stop working in a few days, although it may take a few weeks to work for some pets. It should not be given to pets with liver or kidney disease.
In cell culture and solid tumor experiments, we investigated the effect of fenbendazole in combination regimens with radiation and the taxanes, which are agents that exhibit enhanced cytotoxicity in the presence of severe hypoxia. In general, intensive treatments of fenbendazole did not alter the radiation dose-response curve or increase the antineoplastic activity of these agents, and therefore does not appear to be a useful agent in combination therapy.
We did, however, find that a combination of fenbendazole and supplementary vitamins in the diet slowed the growth of EMT6 tumors compared to untreated control mice. This synergistic effect is unexplained, but warrants further investigation and provides a valuable model to study the interaction of dietary vitamins and antitumor drugs in tumor studies.fenben lab fenbendazol