14 Feb Unveiling the Potential of Mistletoe: A Natural Ally in Cancer Treatment
Introduction
Mistletoe, traditionally associated with holiday customs, has garnered scientific interest for its potential therapeutic properties, particularly in oncology. Recent studies have explored its efficacy as a complementary treatment in cancer care, examining its impact on tumor progression, patient survival, and quality of life.
Recent Advances in Mistletoe Research
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Johns Hopkins Phase I Trial
In 2023, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center conducted a Phase I clinical trial to assess the safety and tolerability of intravenous Helixor M, a mistletoe extract, in patients with advanced, treatment-resistant cancers. The study involved 21 participants who received escalating doses of the extract three times per week. Findings indicated that the treatment was well-tolerated, with manageable side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and chills. Notably, some patients experienced disease stabilization and reported improved quality of life. These results suggest potential benefits of mistletoe extract in supportive cancer care, warranting further investigation in larger, controlled studies .News-Medical+1Home+1Home+1News-Medical+1
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Impact on Rectal Cancer Treatment
A cohort study examined the effects of combining mistletoe extract (Abnoba Viscum Q®) with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. The study found that the addition of mistletoe extract to standard NCRT led to improved tumor response compared to NCRT alone. These findings suggest that mistletoe extract may enhance the efficacy of conventional treatments in certain cancer types .PMC+1SAGE Journals+1
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Survival Benefits in Pancreatic Cancer
Research from the Institute of Oncology and Radiology at the National Cancer Research Center in Serbia investigated the effects of Viscum album extract on patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The study revealed that patients receiving mistletoe injections had a median survival of 4.8 months, compared to 2.7 months in the control group receiving supportive care alone. These results indicate a potential survival benefit of mistletoe extract in aggressive cancer types .Journal of Plant Medicines
Quality of Life Improvements
A systematic review and meta-analysis encompassing multiple studies assessed the impact of mistletoe extracts on the quality of life in cancer patients. The analysis concluded that mistletoe therapy produced a significant, medium-sized improvement in global quality of life measures. Benefits were more pronounced in younger patients and those undergoing longer treatment durations .BioMed Central+1SAGE Journals+1
Fermented vs. Non-Fermented Mistletoe Extracts
Mistletoe extracts are available in fermented and non-fermented forms, with variations in their preparation potentially influencing therapeutic outcomes. A meta-analysis focusing on non-fermented mistletoe extracts reported a positive impact on overall survival in cancer patients, with a hazard ratio of 0.81. However, the study emphasized the need for high-quality randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings .SAGE Journals
Conclusion
Emerging research highlights the potential role of mistletoe extract as a complementary therapy in cancer treatment, demonstrating benefits in tumor response, patient survival, and quality of life. While these findings are promising, further rigorous clinical trials are necessary to establish standardized treatment protocols and confirm efficacy across various cancer types. Patients interested in mistletoe therapy should consult their healthcare providers to discuss its suitability within their individualized treatment plans.
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