Can Ivermectin Fight Childhood Leukemia?

Childhood leukemia is a tough nut to crack. Doctors usually rely on glucocorticoids to treat it. But what happens when these drugs stop working? That's where the search for new treatments comes in.

Ivermectin, a drug known for kicking out parasites, might have a hidden talent. Scientists think it could also fight cancer. This idea isn't just a shot in the dark. Studies show that ivermectin can mess with cancer cells in different ways. So, could it be a new weapon against leukemia?

Researchers put ivermectin to the test on SUP-B15 cells, a type of leukemia cell. They wanted to see if it could cause these cells to die. The results could open up new paths for treating leukemia, especially when the usual drugs fall short.

But before we get too excited, it's important to remember that lab results don't always translate to real life. More research is needed to see if ivermectin can really help kids with leukemia. Still, it's a promising lead.

The big question is, can ivermectin step up and fill the gap left by glucocorticoids? Only more research will tell. But for now, it's a glimmer of hope in the fight against childhood leukemia.