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Published on: March 1, 2022
Immune modulation using mistletoe (Viscum album L.) extracts Iscador
1Krebsforschung Herdecke, Immunological Laboratory, Bochum, Germany. arndt.buessing@uni-wh.de
Arzneimittel-Forschung
|August 25, 2006
Summary
Mistletoe extracts modulate immune responses in cancer patients. Stronger local reactions correlated with impaired T-cell stimulation, while perioperative intravenous mistletoe extract minimized operation-induced immune suppression without adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) extracts are known for their immune-modulating effects, but clinical translation from experimental findings is often limited.
- Understanding the precise influence of mistletoe extracts on immune-competent cells is crucial for their therapeutic application in cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of mistletoe extracts on the function and number of T-lymphocytes in tumor patients.
- To evaluate the efficacy of perioperative intravenous mistletoe extract application in modulating operation-induced immune suppression in breast cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study assessed two doses of Iscador M or Iscador Qu in 31 and 36 tumor patients, respectively, monitoring T-lymphocyte function monthly for six months.
- A GCP-conform, controlled bicentric phase II study involved 105 breast cancer patients, comparing perioperative intravenous Iscador M Spezial with standard care to assess its effect on granulocyte oxidative burst post-surgery.
Main Results:
- In the observational study, stronger local reactions to mistletoe injections were associated with impaired mitogen-induced T-cell stimulation capacity and a decrease in HLA-DR+ T cells.
- The phase II study demonstrated significantly less marked inhibition of granulocyte function (p < 0.001) in the group receiving perioperative intravenous mistletoe extract compared to the control group.
- No mistletoe extract-related adverse reactions were reported in the perioperative study.
Conclusions:
- Mistletoe extract dosage and administration route influence immune cell function in cancer patients.
- Perioperative intravenous mistletoe extract application appears effective in mitigating the immune suppression associated with anesthesia and surgical stress.
- Further research is warranted to optimize mistletoe extract use in clinical oncology settings.
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