We show that treatment with the FDA-approved anti-parasitic drug
ivermectin induces immunogenic
cancer cell death (ICD) and robust T cell infiltration into
breast tumors. As an allosteric modulator of the
ATP/P2X4/P2X7 axis which operates in both
cancer and immune cells,
ivermectin also selectively targets immunosuppressive populations including myeloid cells and Tregs, resulting in enhanced Teff/Tregs ratio. While neither agent alone showed efficacy in vivo, combination
therapy with
ivermectin and checkpoint inhibitor anti-PD1 antibody achieved synergy in limiting
tumor growth (p = 0.03) and promoted complete responses (p < 0.01), also leading to immunity against contralateral re-challenge with demonstrated anti-
tumor immune responses. Going beyond primary
tumors, this combination achieved significant reduction in relapse after neoadjuvant (p = 0.03) and adjuvant treatment (p < 0.001), and potential cures in metastatic disease (p < 0.001). Statistical modeling confirmed bona fide synergistic activity in both the adjuvant (p = 0.007) and metastatic settings (p < 0.001).
Ivermectin has dual immunomodulatory and ICD-inducing effects in
breast cancer, converting cold
tumors hot, thus represents a rational mechanistic partner with checkpoint blockade.