Joe Rogan podcast appearance tied to rise in demand for alternative cancer treatment
The study, published in JAMA Network Open Tuesday, did not measure any safety outcomes of the drug combination.
No clinical trials have supported the safety or effectiveness of ivermectin–benzimidazole for treating cancer, experts noted.
No clinical trials have supported the safety or effectiveness of ivermectin–benzimidazole for treating cancer, experts noted. ((AP Photo/Mike Stewart))
“Clinicians talk about how difficult it is when the patient demands or asks for a medication that they really feel passionately might help,” lead author Michelle Rockwell, a health services researcher at Virginia Tech, said in a press release. “And that’s where I think these celebrity influencers really play a big role.”
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While some laboratory and animal studies have shown that these drugs can promote anti-cancer activity, the required dose for even a small effect would “typically be considered toxic for humans,” according to Dr. Skyler B. Johnson of the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute.
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Johnson, who was not involved in the research, shared with CIDRAP News his concerns about ivermectin’s effect on how the body processes cancer treatments and other medications.
Patients should consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance before making treatment decisions, doctors say. (iStock)
The study did have some limitations, including that it was observational in design and could not prove that Gibson’s appearance led to the increase in prescriptions. Also, the fact that prescriptions were ordered does not necessarily mean that they were filled or used.
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It is also possible some patients sought out ivermectin without a prescription, perhaps from agricultural retailers who sell it for livestock.
There is also the potential that cancer status was misclassified, the researchers noted.
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The study also did not assess whether patients were taking ivermectin alongside conventional treatment or if they used it as a substitute.
Patients should consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance before making treatment decisions, doctors say.
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/joe-rogan-podcast-appearance-tied-rise-demand-alternative-cancer-treatment