Mistletoe extract therapy

Mistletoe's primary benefit could lie in its ability to boost the immune system, as studies have revealed that it can help patients better withstand the side effects of chemotherapy. Mistletoe extract's efficacy, safety, and dosage recommendations is all being thoroughly tested currently at John Hopkins' Institute in the USA as well.

Clinical trials for mistletoe have produced 'mixed' results throughout Europe. Some studies have demonstrated improvements in patients suffering from certain types of cancers, such as breast, colon, pancreatic, or melanoma, but other studies have shown the treatment to be ineffective in reducing tumor size or preventing the spread of the disease.

Application

Like dendritic cells vaccinations, the mistletoe extract needs to be injected in a series to evoke and maintain a significant immune response.Usually, after some instruction, patients find it easy to give themselves these injections, which are applied just beneath the surface of the skin using a small insulin syringe and a very fine needle. Initially, the injection is repeated every three days. In most protocols, mistletoe is injected subcutaneously twice a week, for a period of several months to several years. Injections are typically applied in the morning, when the core temperature is lower. Based on each patient’s progress, the injections may then be prescribed periodically at six-week intervals.

Benefits of mistletoe

Improved quality of life
Researchers studying uterine cancer reported, “mistletoe preparations such as Iscador and Abnoba Viscum have the effect of prolonging overall survival of corpus uteri cancer patients.” Another study, which track patients over five-years found, “significantly improved quality of life and significantly reduced persistent signs/symptoms.” Numerous studies have affirmed these benefits. Studies have also shown a range of other clinical benefits:

● Typically well tolerated● Low toxicity● No more than Grade I flu-like symptoms● Decreased pain due to higher serum endorphins ii● Prolonged survival of patients with breast cancer, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers.
Enhanced immune function
Recent research has confirmed enhanced immune function and healing with the use of mistletoe in patients with various types of cancer, including a broad range of cancers of the digestive tract and the genital system. Studies of immune support and restoration have also involved healthy individuals and report:
● Higher levels of cellular immunity, our primary defense against cancer (eosinophils)● Greater numbers of natural killer cells and increased activity● Increased levels of cancer-fighting T-cells and T-helper cells● Increases in immune signaling chemicals (cytokines) xii xv xvii● Higher levels of protective immune antibodies and the B cells that make them● DNA repair following chemotherapy and radiation in patients with almost all types of cancers
Normalized body temperature
Therapeutic use of mistletoe helps to re-establish the body’s natural temperature rhythm and increases core temperature by about 0.6° C. This increase in temperature counters the poor circulation and slower metabolic rate experienced by many cancer patients, reflected in chronically cold hands and feet. Improvement in core body temperature and restoration of circadian rhythm seems to be an important marker of immune restoration.

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