Hollywood, Medicine, and the Cancer Controversy
- Dr. Jeffrey Tucker
- Apr 21
- 2 min read

A recent viral Joe Rogan interview with Mel Gibson reignited debate over alternative cancer treatments. Gibson claimed that three of his friends, all with late-stage terminal cancer, achieved complete remission using ivermectin and fenbendazole — drugs widely dismissed by mainstream medicine as mere “horse dewormers.” The story gained further traction when Dr. William Makis, a highly credentialed Canadian oncologist, revealed he has used these same drugs in his practice for years, reporting “astounding” results and suggesting that one of Gibson’s friends may have been his patient.
The Medical Establishment’s Response
Despite the dramatic claims, the mainstream medical community has not directly challenged the effectiveness of these treatments. Instead, criticism is focused on the fact that these drugs are not part of the “standard of care”— a system heavily reliant on patented, profitable pharmaceuticals. Critics argue that the reluctance to investigate or adopt these off-label, inexpensive alternatives is driven more by financial interests than by scientific evidence.
Dr. John Campbell: Evidence and Skepticism
Dr. John Campbell, a PhD nurse and influential YouTuber, is highlighted as a rare, unbiased voice in the debate. Known for his data-driven approach during the pandemic, Campbell has turned his attention to alternative cancer therapies. He notes that preclinical studies suggest ivermectin can kill cancer stem cells, reverse drug resistance, and block tumor growth pathways. Fenbendazole and similar drugs have also shown promising anecdotal and preclinical results, with some patients experiencing tumor regression.
Campbell emphasizes that these findings, while intriguing, require validation through large-scale, controlled clinical trials. He warns against self-medication and stresses the need for scientific rigor and professional oversight. Nevertheless, he is critical of the medical system’s lack of curiosity and failure to prioritize research into these potentially game-changing, affordable drugs. Campbell’s core message: even a small chance of significant benefit should prompt urgent research, and the current reluctance raises questions about the influence of profit motives in medicine.
The Stakes and the Path Forward
The debate over ivermectin and fenbendazole as cancer treatments is emblematic of a broader tension in medicine: the clash between innovation and entrenched interests. With cancer affecting millions and the cost of conventional treatments soaring, the stakes are high. Proponents like Dr. Makis and Dr. Campbell argue that the medical establishment must prioritize patient outcomes and scientific inquiry over profit, and that promising alternative therapies deserve serious investigation—not dismissal.
In summary: A Hollywood revelation, a respected oncologist’s clinical experience, and a prominent nurse-educator’s evidence-based advocacy have converged to challenge the status quo in cancer treatment. The call is clear: alternative therapies like ivermectin and fenbendazole, supported by both anecdotal successes and plausible biological mechanisms, merit urgent, unbiased clinical research to determine their true potential.
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