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TORONTO, CANADA. A recent report from the Canadian Breast Cancer Research
Initiative study group dealing with unconventional cancer therapies concludes
that Iscador, an extract of European mistletoe (Viscum album), may be
effective in cancer treatment. The group supports further research in this area
and point out that multi-centered clinical trials are already underway in Europe
and are in the planning stage in Canada and the United States. Mistletoe
extracts have been used in cancer therapy for over 70 years. Iscador is the
most commonly used brand and is principally used in anthroposophic medical
clinics in Switzerland and Germany where more than 80,000 patients have been
treated since the 1920s. Proponents of Iscador claim that it stimulates the
immune system, improves general well-being, and promotes the reversion of cancer
cells resulting in improved survival especially in patients with cancer of the
breast, lung, stomach, colon, cervix, and ovary. Iscador is prepared by
fermenting an aqueous extract of the whole mistletoe plant with Lactobacillus
plantarum bacteria. It is injected subcutaneously into the abdominal wall
or directly into the tumor. A course of treatment may last several weeks and
involves injections three to seven times per week. Iscador is compatible with
chemotherapy and radiation and no toxic effects have been reported when used as
directed. There are, however, reports of serious side effects if the plant or
extract is taken orally or injected intravenously. Several studies have shown
that mistletoe extracts inhibit cell growth and increase DNA stability. Animal
studies suggest that mistletoe can shrink or eliminate tumors. Iscador can be
legally prescribed in South Africa and several European countries. It is not
generally available in North America, but can be obtained from the manufacturer
(Weleda AG) in Germany or Switzerland.
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