Albendazole
Benzimidazole antiparasitic disrupting microtubules, inducing apoptosis/NF-κB inhibition; PD-L1 enhancer; promising repurposed agent with toxicity caveats.
Forms: Oral tablets (400 mg scored) · Oral suspension (100 mg/5 mL)
Simple Summary
Albendazole is a common deworming drug now studied for cancer because it interferes with tumor cell division. Lab tests show it shrinks tumors in models of colon, liver, and skin cancers, and a small human trial noted some benefits but warned of blood cell risks.
Evidence at a glance
Extensive preclinical repurposing data; small human pilots with efficacy signals but notable neutropenia; synergy with immunotherapy preclinical.
How it may work
Albendazole binds to β-tubulin, disrupting microtubule formation and causing mitotic arrest, which leads to apoptosis and inhibition of glucose uptake in cancer cells. It suppresses NF-κB signaling to reduce inflammation and angiogenesis, and promotes ubiquitin-mediated PD-L1 degradation to enhance immunotherapy. Preclinical models demonstrate anti-proliferative effects in liver, colon, pancreatic, melanoma, and other cancers; human data show potential but highlight hematologic toxicity.
Targets & pathways
Curated mechanistic targets reported for this agent — how it may act on cells, not proof of a clinical effect.
- Microtubule assembly↓β-tubulin binding → mitotic arrest
- Apoptosis (cancer cells)↑Caspase-dependent; ROS-independent
- NF-κB↓Reduces survival signaling and inflammation
- Angiogenesis↓VEGF suppression (preclinical)
- PD-L1 expression↓Ubiquitin-mediated degradation
- Tumor proliferation↓Broad-spectrum in vitro/in vivo models
Often studied / combined with
Combinations reported in the literature, not a protocol or a recommendation.
- PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors: Preclinical enhancement via PD-L1 degradation; tumor regression in models.
- Chemotherapy (5-FU, cisplatin): Overcomes resistance in colon/pancreatic models.
Overlapping mechanisms
- Microtubule ↓, Apoptosis ↑: Avoid concurrent taxanes/vinca alkaloids due to additive myelosuppression.
Safety & interactions
Severity and how well-established each signal is are shown separately. Verify everything with your oncologist or pharmacist — absence here does not mean safe.
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin)MonitorModerateTheoreticalMay decrease albendazole levels; dose adjustment needed.
- immunotherapy (PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors)MonitorTheoreticalSynergistic PD-L1 degradation; enhanced efficacy possible but untested in humans.
- anticoagulantsMonitorMildTheoreticalPotential additive bleeding risk from liver effects.
Timing
- With high-fat meal: Increases bioavailability 5-fold.
- AM: To minimize GI upset.
- PM
References
Research
No published studies for Albendazole yet
New studies appear here once they’ve been reviewed. Browse all studies.
Dose: as studied, not a recommendation
Ranges seen in adjunct / practice use: 400–800 mg (oral) 400-800 mg/day divided BID; with high-fat meal for absorption; cycle 3 weeks on/1 off to reduce toxicity, Pilot study used 10 mg/kg/day (~700 mg/70kg) for 28 days; lower doses (400-800 mg/day) may suffice for repurposing but untested in oncology. Cycle with breaks to mitigate neutropenia..
Trials studying Albendazole
No actively-recruiting trials matched right now. Recruiting is not the same as proven. Search ClinicalTrials.gov →