Research
Mistletoe Extract
50 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
Mistletoe Extract in Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Tial (MISTRAL).
The MISTRAL trial investigated the effect of mistletoe extract (ME) on overall survival and health-related quality of life in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The study found no statistically significant benefit of ME on overall survival or global health/QoL compared to placebo. Local skin reactions were more common at ME injection sites.
Mistletoe Extracts during the Oncological Perioperative Period: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Randomized Controlled Trials.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of mistletoe extract use during the oncological perioperative period, including seven RCTs with 663 participants. Found no significant difference in mortality and recurrence compared to no added therapy. Some RCTs reported beneficial effects on immune cells and quality of life, but also noted adverse events and toxicities. Evidence is limited by study number and methodological issues.
Survival of Cancer Patients Treated with Non-Fermented Mistletoe Extract: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies on cancer patients treated with non-fermented mistletoe extract (ME). The pooled effect estimate from RCTs suggests a positive impact on survival (HR=0.81), though results become non-significant when active comparators are included. High quality RCTs are needed to confirm findings.
Viscum album L., a Therapeutic Option for Neoplastic Diseases in Companion Animals? A Systematic Review.
Systematic review assessing the potential use of Viscum album L. extracts (VAE) for treating neoplastic diseases in companion animals. The review included 61 references with in vitro and in vivo experiments, primarily on mice, dogs, and horses. Efficacy was noted for melanomas, sarcomas, mammary carcinoma, and equine sarcoids, but further research is needed due to limited study quality.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Survival of Cancer Patients Treated with a Fermented Viscum album L. Extract (Iscador): An Update of Findings.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 82 controlled studies on cancer patients treated with Iscador, a fermented mistletoe extract. The overall hazard ratio was 0.59, indicating a positive effect on survival, with significant differences between cancer types. The study highlights potential performance bias due to lack of blinding.
Viscum album L. extracts in breast and gynaecological cancers: a systematic review of clinical and preclinical research.
Systematic review of clinical and preclinical research on Viscum album L. extracts (VAE) in breast and gynaecological cancer treatment. The review included 19 RCTs, 16 non-RCTs, and 11 single-arm cohort studies, with mixed results on survival, tumour behaviour, and quality of life. VAE showed some positive effects, particularly in quality of life and tumour remission, but methodological quality varied.
MISTOSUS: a phase II trial ofextract adjuvant therapy for relapsed resectable osteosarcoma.
Phase II trial testing Iscador (European mistletoe extract) as an adjuvant therapy for relapsed resectable osteosarcoma. The study aims to improve 12-month post-relapse event-free survival and assess effects on quality of life and immune profiling.
Viscum album [L.] extract therapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer: a randomised clinical trial on overall survival.
RCT comparing Viscum album extract therapy to no antineoplastic therapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. Viscum album therapy significantly prolonged overall survival, with median OS of 4.8 months compared to 2.7 months in the control group. No VaL-related adverse events were observed.
Safety of higher dosages of Viscum album L. in animals and humans--systematic review of immune changes and safety parameters.
Systematic review of 69 clinical studies and 48 animal experiments investigating higher dosages of Viscum album extracts and mistletoe lectins. The review found no immunosuppressive effects, with side effects mainly consisting of dose-dependent flu-like symptoms, fever, and local reactions. Occasionally, allergic reactions and reversible hepatotoxicity were observed.
Review article: Influence of Viscum album L (European mistletoe) extracts on quality of life in cancer patients: a systematic review of controlled clinical studies.
Systematic review of 26 RCTs and 10 non-RCTs evaluating Viscum album extracts on quality of life in cancer patients. Most studies reported a QoL benefit, particularly in coping, fatigue, sleep, and emotional well-being. VAEs were well tolerated and may reduce side effects of conventional cancer therapies.
Survival of cancer patients treated with mistletoe extract (Iscador): a systematic literature review.
Systematic literature review and meta-analysis of 49 studies on the effects of mistletoe extract (Iscador) on survival in cancer patients. The majority of studies reported positive effects, with a pooled hazard ratio of 0.59 indicating better survival. However, there is evidence of publication bias, and randomized studies showed less effect than non-randomized ones.
Quality of life is improved in breast cancer patients by Standardised Mistletoe Extract PS76A2 during chemotherapy and follow-up: a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre clinical trial.
This randomized, double-blind clinical trial investigated the impact of PS76A2, a standardized mistletoe extract, on quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study found significant improvements in physical, emotional, and functional well-being in the PS76A2 group compared to placebo, with PS76A2 being well tolerated.
[Efficacy and safety of long-term complementary treatment with standardized European mistletoe extract (Viscum album L.) in addition to the conventional adjuvant oncologic therapy in patients with primary non-metastasized mammary carcinoma. Results of a multi-center, comparative, epidemiological cohort study in Germany and Switzerland].
A multicenter, comparative cohort study evaluated the efficacy and safety of standardized mistletoe extract as a complementary therapy in 1442 patients with primary non-metastatic mammary carcinoma. The mistletoe group showed significantly fewer adverse drug reactions from conventional therapy and improved survival compared to controls, with mild to intermediate adverse reactions attributed to mistletoe extract.
Final results of the EORTC 18871/DKG 80-1 randomised phase III trial. rIFN-alpha2b versus rIFN-gamma versus ISCADOR M versus observation after surgery in melanoma patients with either high-risk primary (thickness >3 mm) or regional lymph node metastasis.
Randomised phase III trial comparing low dose rIFN-alpha2b, rIFN-gamma, and Iscador M (mistletoe extract) to observation in high-risk melanoma patients. The study found no clinical benefit for adjuvant treatment with these substances in terms of disease-free interval or overall survival.
The standardised mistletoe extract PS76A2 improves QoL in patients with breast cancer receiving adjuvant CMF chemotherapy: a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre clinical trial.
RCT of 272 breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant CMF chemotherapy, comparing placebo to mistletoe extract PS76A2 at various doses. The medium dose significantly improved quality of life scores and increased T helper lymphocytes and CD4+/CD8+ ratio. PS76A2 was well tolerated with mild local reactions.
Impact of complementary mistletoe extract treatment on quality of life in breast, ovarian and non-small cell lung cancer patients. A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.
A multicentric, randomized, open, prospective clinical trial in China evaluated the efficacy, safety, and side-effects of standardized mistletoe extract (sME) in 233 cancer patients. The study found that complementary treatment with sME significantly improved quality of life and reduced adverse events compared to the control group treated with Lentinan.
Use of Iscador, an extract of European mistletoe (Viscum album), in cancer treatment: prospective nonrandomized and randomized matched-pair studies nested within a cohort study.
Prospective nonrandomized and randomized matched-pair studies nested within a cohort study of 10,226 cancer patients, including 1668 treated with Iscador. Iscador treatment was associated with a 40% longer survival time compared to controls, with synergies observed in patients with good psychosomatic self-regulation.
Phase I Trial of Intravenous Mistletoe Extract in Advanced Cancer.
Phase I trial of intravenous mistletoe extract (Helixor M) in 21 patients with advanced cancer to determine phase II dosing and evaluate safety. Mistletoe demonstrated manageable toxicities and improved quality of life, with a disease control rate of 23.8%.
Complementary Treatment with Mistletoe Extracts During Chemotherapy: Safety, Neutropenia, Fever, and Quality of Life Assessed in a Randomized Study.
Monocentric controlled trial with 95 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, evaluating the safety and clinical response of complementary treatment with European mistletoe extracts. Mistletoe extracts were safe, did not induce fever, and showed a trend toward less neutropenia and improved pain and appetite loss scores.
Clinical evaluation of Viscum album mother tincture as an antihypertensive: a pilot study.
Pilot study using a 1-group pretest-posttest model to evaluate Viscum album as an antihypertensive in primary hypertension. Significant reductions in blood pressure and serum triglyceride levels were observed after 12 weeks of treatment.
Treatment of clinically diagnosed equine sarcoid with a mistletoe extract (Viscum album austriacus).
Prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial on 53 horses with equine sarcoids, comparing mistletoe extract (Viscum album) to placebo. The VAE group showed a higher rate of complete or partial regression of sarcoids compared to the control group, with no significant adverse effects.
Mistletoe extract reduces the surgical suppression of natural killer cell activity in cancer patients. a randomized phase III trial.
RCT of colorectal cancer patients undergoing open tumour resection, comparing perioperative mistletoe extract infusion to no additional therapy. Mistletoe extract prevented suppression of NK cell activity 24 hours after surgery, while control patients showed significant decreases in NK cell activity and HLA-DR expression.
Immunologic effector mechanisms of a standardized mistletoe extract on the function of human monocytes and lymphocytes in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo.
The study evaluated the immunologic response of healthy controls and patients to a standardized mistletoe extract (Iscador). It showed strong adjuvant effects, inducing TNF-alpha and IL-12, and specific lymphocyte sensitization with IgG1- and IgG3-mistletoe antibodies. A systemic bystander effect was observed, suggesting potential antitumor and antiinfectious T-cell responses.
Prevention of surgery-induced suppression of granulocyte function by intravenous application of a fermented extract from Viscum album L. in breast cancer patients.
A phase II study on 98 breast cancer patients showed that a single intravenous application of Viscum album extract (Iscador M special) before surgery prevented surgery-associated inhibition of the oxidative burst, suggesting immunomodulating effects without side-effects.
Perioperative application of the Viscum album extract Isorel in digestive tract cancer patients.
RCT involving 70 digestive tract cancer patients, comparing Isorel (Viscum album extract) treatment to a control group. Isorel treatment improved immune parameters and overall health status, as measured by the Kamofsky Performance Index and Anxiety Scale, compared to controls.
Influence of complementary Viscum album (Iscador) administration on microcirculation and immune system of ear, nose and throat carcinoma patients treated with radiation and chemotherapy.
RCT evaluating the effects of complementary Viscum album (Iscador) administration on microcirculation and immune system in ear, nose, and throat carcinoma patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The study found that adverse effects on microcirculation and the immune system were decreased, and reconstitution processes were accelerated with Iscador.
Influence of postoperative complementary treatment with lectin-standardized mistletoe extract on breast cancer patients. A controlled epidemiological multicentric retrolective cohort study.
Retrolective cohort study evaluating the influence of postoperative complementary treatment with lectin-standardized mistletoe extract (sME) on 689 breast cancer patients. The study found that sME significantly reduced adverse reactions from tumor-destructive therapies and prolonged relapse-free intervals, particularly in UICC stages IIa and IIb. sME was well tolerated with mild to moderate side effects.
Immunomodulatory and clinical effects of Viscum album (Iscador M and Iscador P) in children with recurrent respiratory infections as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear accident.
RCT of 92 children with recurrent respiratory infections due to Chernobyl fallout, treated with Viscum album (Iscador M or P). Treatment significantly reduced clinical symptoms and decreased RRI relapses by 78% and 73%. Viscum album therapy normalized immune indices and decreased high levels of antiviral activity.
Evaluation of quality of life in lung cancer patients receiving radiation and Viscum album L.: a real-world data study.
Real-world data study analyzing the impact of add-on Viscum album (mistletoe) treatment on quality of life in lung cancer patients receiving radiation. Significant improvements in pain, nausea/vomiting, and various functional aspects of quality of life were observed over 12 months.
Safety of intravenously applied mistletoe extract - results from a phase I dose escalation study in patients with advanced cancer.
Phase I dose escalation study of intravenous pine-mistletoe extract in 21 patients with advanced cancer. The maximum tolerable dose was not reached, but an allergic reaction occurred at 2000 mg. Weekly infusions of 2000 mg were generally tolerated, with occasional mild to moderate fever.
Mistletoe Plant Extract in Patients with Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: Results of a Phase Ib/IIa Single Group Dose Escalation Study.
This phase Ib/IIa single group dose escalation study evaluated the maximum tolerated dose, safety, and effectiveness of intravesical instillation of mistletoe extract in 36 patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. The study found no dose limiting toxicity up to 675 mg, with a marker tumor remission rate of 55.6% at 12 weeks and a recurrence rate of 26.3% at 1 year. The treatment was safe and well tolerated, with promising efficacy data.
Reducing malignant ascites accumulation by repeated intraperitoneal administrations of a Viscum album extract.
Phase II study evaluating intraperitoneal injections of Viscum album extract (Iscador M) in 23 patients with end-stage malignancies. The median time-interval between peritoneal punctures increased from 7 to 13 days after treatment, suggesting reduced need for repeated punctures. No toxicity was observed.
Adjuvant intravesical treatment with a standardized mistletoe extract to prevent recurrence of superficial urinary bladder cancer.
Phase I/II clinical trial of intravesical mistletoe extract in 30 patients with superficial urothelial bladder carcinomas. Patients received 6 weekly instillations of mistletoe extract. Within 12 months, 9 patients had tumor recurrence, while 21 remained tumor-free. The recurrence rate was comparable to historical controls treated with BCG, and the treatment was well-tolerated with no significant side-effects.
Adjuvant intravesical treatment of superficial bladder cancer with a standardized mistletoe extract.
Phase I/II clinical trial of intravesical mistletoe extract in 30 patients with superficial urothelial bladder carcinoma. The extract was well tolerated with no significant side effects, and recurrence rates were comparable to historical controls treated with BCG. No significant changes in urine cytokine levels were observed.
Abnoba-viscum (mistletoe extract) in metastatic colorectal carcinoma resistant to 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin-based chemotherapy.
Phase II trial of mistletoe extract (Abnoba-viscum Quercus) in 25 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer resistant to 5FU/LCV-based chemotherapy. No objective tumor response was observed, but stable disease was noted in 84% of patients. Median survival was 5.5 months, with mild toxicity reported.
Cellular immunomodulation and safety of standardized aqueous mistletoe extract PS76A2 in tumor patients treated for 48 weeks.
RCT involving 12 tumor patients treated with standardized aqueous mistletoe extract PS76A2 for 48 weeks. The treatment significantly improved immune parameters, including total lymphocytes, monocytes, and NK cells, and was well tolerated with minor local reactions.
In vivo-induction of antibodies to mistletoe lectin-1 and viscotoxin by exposure to aqueous mistletoe extracts: a randomised double-blinded placebo controlled phase I study in healthy individuals.
Randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled phase I study in 47 healthy individuals exposed to mistletoe extracts (Iscador Quercus and Iscador Pini) or placebo for 12 weeks. The study measured humoral immunoreactivity, finding that mistletoe extracts induced antigen-specific humoral responses, with anti-ML-1 and anti-VA2 antibodies detected in treated individuals.
Measurements of IL-6, soluble IL-6 receptor and soluble gp130 in sera of B-cell lymphoma patients. Does viscum album treatment affect these parameters?
The study investigated the effect of Viscum album extract (Iscador) on serum levels of IL-6, sIL-6R, and sgp130 in B-cell lymphoma patients compared to healthy controls. Long-term Viscum album therapy significantly lowered IL-6 levels and elevated sIL-6R and sgp130 levels, with a correlation between sIL-6R and sgp130. Half of the patients with long-term treatment achieved continuous complete remission.
Immune boosters. Mistletoe extract for HIV/AIDS?
The paper likely discusses the use of mistletoe extract as an immune booster for individuals with HIV/AIDS, potentially in the context of a randomized controlled trial.
Decrease of activated lymphocytes four and nine hours after a subcutaneous injection of a Viscum album L. extract in healthy volunteers.
The study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of VaQuFrF, an aqueous extract of Viscum album L., on blood leukocyte and lymphocyte subpopulations in healthy volunteers. After subcutaneous injection, there was a significant fall in the absolute numbers and percentage of certain lymphocytes, indicating increased extravasation of activated lymphocytes and monocytes.
Correlation of immune cell activities and beta-endorphin release in breast carcinoma patients treated with galactose-specific lectin standardized mistletoe extract.
A prospectively randomized clinical study on breast carcinoma patients assessed the correlation between cellular immunity parameters and beta-endorphin plasma levels after mistletoe lectin (ML-1) therapy. Subcutaneous administration of ML-1 increased beta-endorphin levels and enhanced NK-cell and T-lymphocyte activity, showing a significant correlation between immune and neuroendocrine systems.
[Prevention of recurrence of bronchial carcinomas after surgery by means of the mistletoe extract Iscador. Results of a clinical study from 1969-1971].
Clinical study from 1969-1971 using mistletoe preparation Iscador for prophylactic treatment against recurrence in operated bronchial cancer cases. The Iscador group showed a statistically significant prolongation of survival time compared to controls.
Course of mitogen-stimulated T lymphocytes in cancer patients treated with Viscum album extracts.
Prospective observational study on the impact of different dose regimes of Viscum album extract (VA-E, Iscador) on T lymphocyte function in 71 cancer patients. A decline in stimulated T cell function was observed in patients with colorectal or prostate cancer, but not in those with breast cancer or those with dose adaptation due to strong local reactions.
Study on local inflammatory reactions and other parameters during subcutaneous mistletoe application in HIV-positive patients and HIV-negative subjects over a period of 18 weeks.
RCT investigating subcutaneous injections of fermented and unfermented Viscum album L. extracts in 30 HIV-positive patients and 17 healthy subjects over 18 weeks. The study found an increase in local inflammatory reactions and CD3/25-positive lymphocyte counts, indicating immune system activation. Erythema was the most common local reaction.
Tolerability of an extract of European mistletoe among immunocompromised and healthy individuals.
A dose-escalating phase I/II study of Viscum album extract (Viscum album Quercus Frischsaft) in 32 HIV-positive and 9 healthy participants. The study found no severe side effects, with more adverse events occurring at lower doses. The extract was associated with immunomodulation and may inhibit HIV disease progression.
Toxicity of a standardized mistletoe extract in immunocompromised and healthy individuals.
Phase I/II study assessing the toxicity profile and biochemical effects of Iscador Qu Spezial, a standardized mistletoe extract, in 16 HIV-positive patients and 8 healthy controls. Escalating doses were administered subcutaneously over 6 to 8 months. Adverse effects included flulike symptoms, gingivitis, fever, local erythema, and eosinophilia, with systemic adverse events more common in HIV-positive patients. No severe side effects were reported, and none of the HIV-positive patients progressed in disease stage.
No evidence of IFN-gamma increase in the serum of HIV-positive and healthy subjects after subcutaneous injection of a non-fermented viscum album L. extract.
RCT investigating the effect of Viscum album L. extract (VaQuFrF) on serum IFN-gamma levels in 5 healthy subjects and 13 HIV-positive patients. No drug-related elevation of serum IFN-gamma was observed, suggesting the method is not suitable for investigating the immunomodulatory effects of VaQuFrF in vivo.
Subcutaneous infiltrates induced by injection of mistletoe extracts (Iscador).
Study of subcutaneous injections of mistletoe extract (Iscador) in seven subjects. Histological examination showed a dense perivascular lymphocyte infiltrate and increased monocytes at injection sites, with a significant increase in neutrophils and monocytes in the blood 24 hours after administration.
Stimulation of antitumour immunity by intrapleural instillation of a Viscum album L. extract.
Intrapleural administration of mistletoe extract Helixor in 20 cancer patients with malignant pleural effusions resulted in a 72% response rate for pleurodesis. The treatment was associated with a transient increase in macrophages and eosinophils, and a constant increase in CD8+T cells, suggesting stimulation of antitumour immunity.
Immunological response to mistletoe (Viscum album L.) in cancer patients: a four-case series.
A four-case series study on cancer patients receiving subcutaneous Viscum album (mistletoe) to assess its effects on immunological parameters. The study found an increase in several parameters of humoral and cellular immunity, suggesting that Viscum album can enhance immune responses in cancer patients.