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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage: Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy in Malignant Biliary Obstruction
Published on: March 25, 2022
[Favourable course of persisting malignant ascites]
Rainer Stange1, Annette Jänsch, Sabine Schrag
1Abteilung fur Naturheilkunde, Charité-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, und Immanuel-Krankenhaus Berlin-Wannsee, Königstrasse 63, Berlin, Germany. r.stange@immanuel.de
Mistletoe extract effectively managed malignant ascites in a breast cancer patient, improving symptoms and quality of life. This natural therapy showed good tolerance and potential cytotoxic effects alongside chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Malignant ascites is a common, challenging complication in advanced cancer.
- No standard therapies exist for ascites across all primary tumor types.
- Breast cancer metastasis to the liver can cause recurrent malignant ascites.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer experienced recurrent malignant ascites.
- Intraperitoneal mistletoe extract was administered during paracentesis procedures.
- The treatment was well-tolerated by the patient.
Findings:
- Mistletoe extract demonstrated significant symptom control for malignant ascites.
- The patient reported a considerable improvement in quality of life.
- Potential mechanisms include immunomodulation, direct cytotoxicity, and adjuvant effects with chemotherapy (carboplatin/paclitaxel).
Implications:
- Mistletoe extract may offer a valuable therapeutic option for managing malignant ascites.
- Further research into mistletoe's role in palliative cancer care is warranted.
- This case highlights the potential of complementary therapies in improving cancer patient outcomes.
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