
Introduction
Traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation often come with harsh side effects and limited efficacy in advanced stages. As a result, many researchers and clinicians are exploring alternative approaches that focus on metabolic pathways rather than genetic mutations. One such emerging framework is the Mitochondrial-Stem Cell Connection (MSCC) theory. A recent article from PressKit.it introduces an integrative cancer protocol that combines repurposed drugs, orthomolecular medicine, and adjunctive therapies—including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)—to offer a potentially non-toxic treatment pathway.
What is the MSCC Theory?
The MSCC theory is a hybrid model combining the cancer stem cell theory with the metabolic theory of cancer. It posits that cancer originates from mitochondrial dysfunction in one or more normal stem cells. This alteration in oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) leads to the formation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which drive tumorigenesis and metastasis. The theory shifts the focus away from DNA mutations to cellular energy metabolism as the root of cancer progression.

The Repurposed Drug Protocol
Ivermectin
Originally developed as an antiparasitic, ivermectin has shown promising antitumor activity in preclinical studies. It induces apoptosis through mitochondrial mediation and targets CSCs and tumor metabolism, often outperforming standard chemotherapy in some in vivo models (Liu et al., 2020).
Fenbendazole & Mebendazole
These benzimidazole compounds disrupt microtubule function, inhibit glucose uptake, and induce apoptosis. Mebendazole is FDA-approved and has demonstrated greater efficacy than several chemotherapeutic agents in vitro, particularly against glioblastoma and gastric carcinoma (Bai et al., 2011).
DON (6-Diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine)
DON is a glutamine antagonist that disrupts tumor metabolism. It shows efficacy in reducing tumor growth and targeting CSCs and metastases, though it requires careful administration due to its potency (Olsen et al., 2015).
Orthomolecular & Lifestyle-Based Enhancements
Vitamin C
At high intravenous doses, Vitamin C acts as a pro-oxidant in tumor cells, inducing apoptosis without harming healthy cells (Chen et al., 2008).
Vitamin D and Zinc
Both play essential roles in mitochondrial health, immune modulation, and CSC inhibition. Deficiencies in these nutrients are commonly associated with increased cancer risk and progression (Chandler et al., 2020).
Ketogenic Diet & Fasting
These interventions deprive cancer cells of their preferred fuel sources—glucose and glutamine—while enhancing mitochondrial function and OxPhos (Weber et al., 2020).
Physical Activity
Exercise enhances mitochondrial respiration and reduces glycolytic activity, making it a valuable adjunct in metabolic cancer therapy (Flockhart et al., 2021)

The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
HBOT increases tissue oxygenation, counteracting the hypoxic environments that fuel cancer progression. It improves OxPhos activity, inhibits glycolysis and metastasis, and synergizes with the ketogenic diet and other metabolic therapies. Preclinical studies and early clinical data suggest its potential as a powerful tool against cancer, especially when integrated into broader metabolic protocols (Poff et al., 2017).
Safety, Caution, and Scientific Caveats
While the proposed protocol is comprehensive and supported by preclinical data, most treatments mentioned are not yet FDA-approved for cancer. The evidence is largely derived from case studies, cell cultures, and animal models. Therefore, patients should approach these therapies under the guidance of experienced medical professionals and not as standalone treatments.
Conclusion: Hope or Hype?
The MSCC theory represents a compelling evolution in our understanding of cancer. By targeting mitochondrial dysfunction and cancer stem cells, this integrative protocol offers a potentially less toxic and more holistic approach to cancer treatment. Though early, the evidence underscores the importance of continued research into metabolic therapies—including HBOT—as part of a comprehensive oncology strategy.
Further Reading & References
- Original Article on PressKit.it
https://presskit.it/en/2025/04/22/cancro-studio-su-protocollo-con-ivermectina-fenbendazolo-e-mebendazolo-porta-la-speranza-di-cure-non-tossiche-come-la-chemio
- Metabolic Theory of Cancer: Seyfried, T. N. (2010) – Cancer as a metabolic disease
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2845135/
- Ivermectin in Cancer: Liu et al., 2020 – Ivermectin induces apoptosis in cancer cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32021111/ - Ivermectin in Cancer: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9515697/
- Mebendazole in Glioblastoma: Bai et al., 2011 – Repurposing anthelmintics for brain cancer
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4526400/ - DON and Cancer Metabolism: Olsen et al., 2015 – Glutamine antagonists in oncology
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0116998 - Vitamin C Therapy: Chen et al., 2008 – Pharmacologic doses of ascorbate kill cancer cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18678913/ - Vitamin D and Cancer Mortality: Chandler et al., 2020 – Vitamin D supplementation reduces metastatic cancer risk
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7675103/ - Ketogenic Diet in Cancer Therapy: Weber et al., 2020 – Ketogenic diet affects tumor progression
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7056920/ - Exercise and Mitochondrial Function: Flockhart et al., 2021 – Mitochondrial adaptations to endurance training
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33740420/ - HBOT and Cancer: Poff et al., 2017 – Hyperbaric oxygen as an adjuvant cancer therapy
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9283648/