Mistletoe Therapy and Cancer

What is Mistletoe

Mistletoe (Viscum album) is a semi-parasitic evergreen plant that grows on various deciduous trees, especially apple trees, poplars, and linden trees. It is characterized by its spherical bushes with leathery, oval leaves and white, sticky berries.

Mistletoe has a long history in mythology and folk medicine. In ancient times, it was considered a sacred plant with magical powers. It was used to protect against evil spirits and to promote fertility and luck.

Mistletoe, known as Sang Ji Sheng in TCM, has also been used for centuries to treat various ailments in Asia.

Today, mistletoe is primarily used in complementary cancer treatment. Extracts from the mistletoe plant contain various biologically active substances, including lectins (carbohydrate-binding proteins), viscotoxins (immune-stimulating proteins), and polysaccharides (sugar chains), which are believed to have immune-stimulating and anti-tumor effects.

What is Mistletoe Therapy

Anthroposophic origin and spread

The treatment originates from anthroposophic medicine, which was introduced by Rudolf Steiner and the doctor Ita Wegman in the 1920s. Mistletoe therapy is today one of the most used complementary cancer treatments in Europe, especially in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Here, the treatment is often an integrated part of the established health offer at hospitals and clinics.

Content

Mistletoe therapy is a complementary treatment method that involves the injection of extracts from the mistletoe plant. These extracts are specially processed and standardized for medical use.

Purpose

The purpose of mistletoe therapy is to stimulate the body’s own healing forces and support the immune system in the fight against cancer.

Administration

Mistletoe therapy is typically given as injections under the skin (subcutaneously). The injections are usually given 2-3 times a week for a period that can vary from weeks to months. The treatment can be adapted to the individual patient’s needs and cancer type.

It is important to emphasize that mistletoe for cancer treatment cannot be taken orally in the form of oil or drops. The active anti-cancer and immune-stimulating substances in the plant (lectins and viscotoxins) are proteins. If taken by mouth, stomach acid will break them down completely long before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream, and the treatment will thereby lose its effect. Injection is therefore the only administration method that is used and effective in medical cancer treatment.

Note

Mistletoe is toxic in its raw form, and it is therefore important not to attempt to ingest mistletoe without guidance from a qualified practitioner.

How Mistletoe Works

Mistletoe’s mechanisms of action are complex and not yet fully understood. Research suggests that mistletoe extracts can affect the body in several ways:

1. Stimulation of the immune system:

Mistletoe extracts contain various substances, including the aforementioned lectins, viscotoxins, and polysaccharides, which can activate immune cells such as macrophages, NK cells, and T cells.

These immune cells play a central role in the body’s defense against cancer cells, and mistletoe therapy can potentially strengthen the body’s ability to fight cancer.

Studies have shown that mistletoe therapy can increase the production of cytokines, which are signaling substances that regulate the immune response.

2. Direct cytotoxic effect:

Some of the components of mistletoe, especially viscotoxins, have been shown to have a direct cytotoxic effect on cancer cells, i.e., they can kill cancer cells.

This effect is believed to be related to mistletoe’s ability to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.

3. Anti-angiogenesis:

Mistletoe extracts can inhibit the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), which is essential for tumor growth.

Cancer tumors need a constant supply of blood and nutrients to grow and spread. By inhibiting angiogenesis, mistletoe therapy can potentially slow tumor growth.

4. Improved quality of life:

Studies have shown that mistletoe therapy can improve the quality of life for cancer patients by reducing side effects from conventional cancer treatment, such as fatigue, nausea, and pain.

Mistletoe can also have a positive effect on mood and sleep.

When is Mistletoe Used

Mistletoe therapy is typically used as a complementary treatment to conventional cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. It can be considered in the following situations:

To strengthen the immune system: Mistletoe therapy can be used to stimulate the immune system and improve the body’s ability to fight cancer.
To alleviate side effects: Mistletoe therapy can help alleviate side effects from conventional cancer treatment, such as fatigue, nausea, pain, and hair loss.
Holistic approach: Can also be used in combination with other approaches where a holistic approach to cancer treatment is desired.
To improve quality of life: Mistletoe therapy can contribute to improving the overall quality of life for cancer patients by increasing energy levels, improving mood, and promoting sleep.

Benefits of Mistletoe

Can strengthen the immune system

Mistletoe extracts can, as mentioned earlier, activate various immune cells and increase the production of cytokines, which can improve the body’s ability to fight cancer.

Can have a direct cytotoxic effect

Viscotoxins in mistletoe can kill cancer cells by inducing apoptosis.

Can inhibit angiogenesis

Mistletoe extracts can slow tumor growth by inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels.

Can improve quality of life

Mistletoe therapy can alleviate side effects from conventional cancer treatment and improve overall quality of life.

Natural treatment method

Mistletoe therapy is a natural treatment method that uses extracts from a plant.

Individually adapted

Mistletoe therapy can be adapted to the individual patient’s needs and cancer type.

Improved quality of life

Mistletoe therapy can improve the quality of life for cancer patients by reducing side effects from conventional cancer treatment, such as fatigue, nausea, pain, and loss of appetite. Studies have shown that mistletoe can increase energy levels, improve mood, and promote sleep.

Increased mental well-being

Some patients experience an increased sense of control and well-being during mistletoe therapy. This may be due to a combination of the therapeutic relationship with the practitioner, active participation in the treatment, and a sense of doing something proactive to support their healing.

Individually adapted treatment

Mistletoe therapy can be adapted to the individual patient’s needs and cancer type. There are different mistletoe preparations with different strengths and compositions. The doctor or practitioner will choose the preparation that is most suitable for the patient and adjust the dose and treatment frequency as needed.

Holistic approach

Mistletoe therapy is often part of a holistic approach to cancer treatment that focuses on strengthening the whole person—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Stimulation of the body’s own healing forces

Mistletoe is believed to stimulate the body’s own healing forces and support the natural healing process.

Potential synergistic effect with other treatments

Mistletoe therapy can potentially enhance the effect of conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Long tradition of use

Mistletoe has a long tradition of use in folk medicine and has been used to treat various diseases for centuries.

Disadvantages of Mistletoe

Limited evidence

Although some research has been done on mistletoe therapy, the evidence for its effectiveness is still limited.

Side effects

Mistletoe therapy can cause side effects, such as fever, chills, local reactions at the injection site, and allergic reactions.

Costs

Mistletoe therapy can be an expensive treatment, and it is not always covered by private insurance—and is not part of conventional (traditional) treatment.

Controversial

Mistletoe therapy is a controversial treatment method, and there are divided opinions about its effectiveness.

Further relevant points

Qualified practitioner

It is important to find a qualified doctor or practitioner with experience in mistletoe therapy.

Combination with other treatments

Mistletoe therapy can often be combined with other complementary treatments, such as repurposed drugs, dietary changes, exercise, and mindfulness.

Individual response

The response to mistletoe therapy can vary from person to person. Some patients experience a marked improvement, while others do not notice any effect.

Integrative oncology

Mistletoe therapy is often part of an integrative oncology approach that combines conventional cancer treatment with complementary methods to address both the physical and psychological aspects of cancer.

Be cautious

It is important to remember that mistletoe is toxic in its raw form, and it is therefore crucial not to attempt to ingest mistletoe without guidance from a qualified practitioner.

Description of a Typical Treatment

Injected – the one typically used for cancer

Mistletoe therapy is typically given as injections under the skin (subcutaneously). The injections are usually given 2-3 times a week for a period that can vary from weeks to months.

Different preparations

The treatment can be adapted to the individual patient’s needs and cancer type. There are different mistletoe preparations with different strengths and compositions.

Dose adjustment

The doctor or practitioner will choose the preparation that is most suitable for the patient and adjust the dose and treatment frequency as needed.

Research

Some research has been done on mistletoe therapy, both in vitro (in the laboratory) and in vivo (in living organisms). Some studies have shown promising results, while others have been less convincing.

There is (as with all complementary treatment) a need for more research to determine mistletoe’s precise role in cancer treatment and to identify the patient groups that benefit the most from the treatment.

Focus on Pancreatic Cancer

Mistletoe is one of the few alternative treatments that has been tested in a large, scientific phase 3 trial specifically for this cancer type.

The study (Tröger et al., 2013) showed that patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who received mistletoe injections alongside standard care lived significantly longer and had fewer side effects and better quality of life than the control group.

Therefore, mistletoe is often considered a standard addition among integrative doctors for this diagnosis.

Important warnings

Even though mistletoe is a natural product, it is a potent medicine that is injected. This comes with some specific risks that must be respected.

Brain tumors and brain metastases

Mistletoe creates a local inflammation which increases blood flow.

The problem:

If you have tumors in the brain or spinal cord, the treatment can cause the tissue around the tumor to swell (edema). Since the skull cannot expand, the pressure in the brain increases, which can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, and life-threatening situations.
Many clinics therefore do not treat brain tumors with mistletoe (or only in extremely low doses under special supervision).

Heart problems

The treatment can affect the circulation.

The problem:

If you suffer from unstable angina (angina pectoris), heart failure, or severe heart rhythm disorders, you should avoid the treatment, as the injections can unnecessarily stress the heart.

Allergic shock

Since plant proteins are injected directly into the body, there is a risk of severe allergic reactions.

The problem:

In rare cases, the body can react violently with anaphylactic shock (swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure).
It is therefore important that the first injection is always given under medical supervision where there is preparedness to treat shock.

Fever

A slight temperature increase is intended, but high fever is a warning sign.

The problem:

You must never take an injection if you already have a fever (over 38 degrees). It can overload the immune system and circulation.
Wait until the temperature has been normal for at least 24 hours.

Autoimmune diseases

The treatment stimulates the immune system.

The problem:

If you suffer from active autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, sclerosis) or take immunosuppressive medication (after a transplant), mistletoe can cause the disease to flare up violently or counteract your medication.

Safety

Always consult your practitioner before starting a protocol.

Conclusion

Mistletoe therapy is a complementary (supplementary alternative) treatment method that can be considered as a supplement to conventional cancer treatment. It can potentially strengthen the immune system, inhibit tumor growth, and improve the quality of life for cancer patients.

However, it is important to be aware that the evidence for mistletoe’s effectiveness is still limited, and that there can be side effects associated with the treatment.

If you are considering mistletoe therapy, it is a good idea to discuss it with your practitioner.

(From several of the scientific articles, it appears that it has not been possible to demonstrate convincing results with the use of mistletoe in connection with the treatment of patients where no other treatment could be offered).