Mistletoe Therapy
What is mistletoe?
Mistletoe (Viscum Album) is one of the most widely used complementary therapies in oncology especially in Germany and Switzerland. It’s not a cure for cancer but it’s been used for decades to support the immune system and improve quality of life during cancer treatment.
Mistletoe increases the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages which may help the body to recognize and fight tumor cells. Clinical studies showed that mistletoe can increase vitality and lead to better tolerance of treatment when used alongside chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
When to Start & Duration
Mistletoe Therapy can start early, even before surgery or right after diagnosis, to strengthen the immune system and help the body better handle treatment stress.
A strong immune system requires continuous care. Remission is an active process, and many doctors recommend ongoing therapy. For Stage 1 or 2 cancer, treatment may continue for up to 5 years, while for Stage 3 or 4, it may continue indefinitely.
How is mistletoe is given?
Mistletoe is usually customized for different cancer types and patient’s constitution. The dosage is gradually increased and sometimes multiple preparations may be used simultaneously.
- Subcutaneous injections: similar to insulin injections, most commonly used route.
- IV infusions: for selected cases when higher doses of mistletoe delivery is desired quickly.
- Intratumoral injections: for selected cases when local tumor response is desired