Benzimidazoles commonly used:
(1) mebendazole (MBZ, Vermox)
(2) albendazole (ABZ, Eskazole)
Indications:
(1) adjunctive therapy for surgery and PAIR therapy (reduce intracystic pressure, reduce risk of secondary spread, reduce recurrence)
(2) favorable cysts (liver, lung, multiple cysts in 2 or more organs, peritoneal cysts)
Contraindications for chemotherapy:
(1) pregnancy, especially during the first 3 months (risk of teratogenicity)
(2) allergy
(3) chronic liver disease
(4) bone marrow depression
Contraindications for chemotherapy as sole treatment agent:
(1) large and superficial cyst at risk for rupture (surgery indicated)
(2) infected cyst (surgery indicated)
(3) cyst in bone (less susceptible)
(4) noncompliance with chemotherapy
