Fluvermal Flubendazole

This compound belongs to the group of benzimidazole carbamates, drugs widely used in human and veterinary medicine against parasitic worms. The molecular mechanism of action of flubendazole is based on its specific binding to tubulin, which results in disruption of microtubule structure and function, and in the interference with the microtubule-mediated transport of secretory vesicles in absorptive tissues of helminths. The microtubule-disrupting properties of benzimidazole derivatives raised recently interest in these compounds as possible anti-cancer agents. In this minireview, flubendazole effects towards selected human malignant cells including myeloma, leukemia, neuroblastoma, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and melanoma are discussed along with basic data on its pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and toxicity.