Mistletoe is indicated for all sites and histological cancer types, including all cancer stages, any point in the course of cancer, and as an after-cancer prophylaxis for relapse or for secondary cancer.

Despite mistletoe’s long track record of clinical use in Europe and several Asian countries, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to consider it in a category of unproven biologic therapies, and it has yet to be fully adopted by Western medicine. Mistletoe is legal to use but not yet approved by the FDA. While it is still considered an investigative treatment here, a favorable phase 1 clinical trial has been completed at Johns Hopkins Medical Center. A phase 2 trial is planned. Extensive studies prove Mistletoe is a safe and effective treatment. For over 100 years, it has had widespread use in Western Europe, where it is combined with conventional cancer treatments in up to 75% of cancer cases. Although traditional oncologists cannot currently offer this treatment for cancer patients, integrative oncology practitioners can administer this cancer care.

There are no known interactions, including chemotherapy drugs.

• Activation of the immune system and the production of defense cells

• Stimulation of programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells and blockage of angiogenesis (new blood supply)

• Protection and stabilization of the DNA of healthy cells against damage caused by cytostatic drugs, such as chemotherapy

• Improvement in general well-being

• Reduced fatigue, particularly during and after chemotherapy

• Reduced nausea during chemotherapy

• Improved appetite

• Improved sleep

• Increased energy

• A slight increase in body temperature (many cancer patients have a lower than average body temperature and often feel cold)

• Less sensitivity to pain, so fewer painkillers, and sedatives are needed

• Patients often report a more positive outlook, more courage, and initiative, less fear

Yes. This therapy is not recommended for anyone with an allergy to Mistletoe, or anyone with acute inflammatory disease, serious autoimmune disease, high fever, pregnancy, Myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, or uncontrolled hyperthyroidism.

Yes. Mistletoe can actually help alleviate some of the common side-effects of radiation and chemotherapy, such as fatigue, nausea, and difficulty sleeping. Read the above-detailed list of benefits of Mistletoe Therapy.

Many of the clinical studies examining mistletoe use in cancer patients have shown improved outcomes, both in conjunction with conventional treatments and as a stand-alone adjuvant therapy. Another compelling benefit, which has been observed in a multitude of clinical trials, is improved quality of life. Among those are fewer or less severe side effects from chemotherapy such as fatigue, depression, nausea, and vomiting as well as improved emotional well-being and concentration. Visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Cancer Institute (NCI) to read more about studies examining mistletoe use for cancer patients.

Health insurance does not currently cover this treatment because it is considered alternative medicine.