Clinical Trials
The first Mistletoe clinical trial, in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, is underway in the United States using intravenous Mistletoe.
The Mistletoe clinical trial at Johns Hopkins will be a Phase 1 trial, in which researchers will be testing the drug on a small group of participants to evaluate safety, determine a safe dose, and identify side effects. This is the first step of many research steps before mistletoe can be considered for conventional use in cancer treatment.
Until approved, Mistletoe is listed as an FDA approved substance in the homeopathic pharmacopeia, and as with any drug, can be prescribed off label in the United States by MD’s, DO’s, ND’s, NP’s who are trained in mistletoe therapy.
To find out more about Mistletoe in science and medicine click here.
FAQs
What is mistletoe?
The liquid extract of the mistletoe plant has been used as an alternative method to treat cancer for a century. Mistletoe is one of the most widely studied and used complementary therapies for cancer treatment in Europe. There are over 1500 species of the mistletoe plant, but only the European species (Viscum Album) is used for cancer treatment.
Is mistletoe effective for all types of cancer?
Mistletoe can be used in malignant and non-malignant tumors.
Can mistletoe be used alongside chemotherapy, radiation, and conventional immunotherapy drugs?
Mistletoe can be used alongside conventional treatments to offset the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation such as nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite; and to stimulate bone marrow activity. It can also be used to diminish tumor-related pain and to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence. Each physician trained will evaluate and support each patient with the best treatment process depending on where they are on their cancer journey.
When should mistletoe therapy begin?
Mistletoe Therapy can begin early, before surgery, or even immediately after diagnosis. Since mistletoe therapy can stimulate the immune system, the body will be better prepared for the stress that surgery and treatment can cause on the body.
How long is a patient on mistletoe therapy?
A healthy and robust immune system is an ongoing process. It requires ongoing care and attention. The concept that when a person reaches No Evidence of Disease status and they enter into a watchful waiting period is too passive. Remission is an active process, and most physicians agree that therapy should be ongoing. If a patient had Stage 1 or Stage 2 cancer, therapy can be continued for up to 5 years based on their clinical situation. For Stage 3 and Stage 4 disease it can be continued indefinitely.
How much does mistletoe cost?
Mistletoe treatments cost a fraction of the cost of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, mistletoe is not typically covered by health insurance. The cost is dependent on a physician’s recommendations of extract strength and frequency, averaging $150 – $250/month for the subcutaneous application and $350 – $500/ per IV infusion.
How is mistletoe administered and how often?
Mistletoe is administered subcutaneously (by injection) or intravenously (IV) at a frequency determined by the prescribing physician and based upon the patient’s individual need.
Are there any side effects to mistletoe?
Very few, if any. There are fewer side effects of taking mistletoe than IV vitamin C. There is a desired effect to have a localized reaction in the subcutaneous application – redness, itching, raised area at injection site. With the IV application, patients may experience increase circulation, fever, or warming sensation. Most patients experience a better quality of life because mistletoe stimulates the immune system.
Is there scientific evidence for mistletoe therapy in the treatment of cancer?
There have been over 100 clinical studies done oversees and review articles showing the positive effects on the immune system, cancer cell death, quality of life, and safety. These studies are also showing that patients tolerate chemotherapy better and it’s more effective when taking mistletoe.
Why is mistletoe not available at cancer treatment centers in the United States?
Even though it is used all over the world and effective in treating cancer, until all phases of the Mistletoe Clinical Trial in collaboration with The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is completed, oncologists cannot offer this treatment as standard of care. Mistletoe is listed as an FDA approved substance in the homeopathic pharmacopeia, and as with any drug, can be prescribed off label in the United States by MD’s, DO’s, ND’s, NP’s who are trained in mistletoe therapy.
Are there physicians nearby who I can contact to pursue mistletoe treatment?
You can view a listing of mistletoe providers by state on our website, www.BelieveBig.org, under the Resources tab.
How can I help with Mistletoe Research?
You can donate online at www.BelieveBig.org under the Donate tab. Or you can send a contribution via mail to: Believe Big, 4821 Butler Road, Suite 1D, Glyndon, Maryland 21136. All donations are tax deductible.
Known for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects, HELIXOR is a multi-beneficial therapy used to kill cancer cells and improve the overall quality of life for patients at Hope4Cancer. An extract of European white-berried mistletoe, HELIXOR contains both viscotoxins and lectins, two active compounds that directly affect cancer cells. Viscotoxins selectively damage the cell membrane and cytoskeleton of cancerous cells, while lectins inhibit ribosomes from producing new proteins and therefore stop the reproduction process of cancer cells, blocking tumor growth. Due to its therapeutic properties and ability to regulate pain response, HELIXOR can also be used as a supportive therapy for patients who have undergone traditional cancer treatments. For instance, helping to stimulate production of platelet and white or red blood cell counts that have gone low as a result of chemotherapy, as well as alleviating undesirable side effects (nausea, vomiting, anemia, etc.). HELIXOR is administered as an intravenous dose for ten days, after which patients switch to regular injections three times per week. As a result, patients will experience a slight fever response, with body temperatures increasing .5 to 1 degree Celsius. This response is a desirable effect, indicating immune stimulation. Body temperature and patient reactions are monitored throughout the entirety of the program. https://hope4cancer.com
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Fantastic Fungi
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Oei SL, Thronicke A, Schad F. Mistletoe and Immunomodulation: Insights and Implications for Anticancer Therapies. Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:5893017. Published 2019 Apr 17. doi:10.1155/2019/5893017 ||||| Lee, Y., Jung, I., & Lee, S. (2017). P2. 10 Viscum Album (Helixor M) to Treat Malignant Pleural Effusion in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer. Oncology, 12(11), S2161. ||||| Yang P, Jiang Y, Pan Y, et al. Mistletoe extract Fraxini inhibits the proliferation of liver cancer by down-regulating c-Myc expression. Sci Rep. 2019;9(1):6428. Published 2019 Apr 23. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-41444-2 ||||| A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Survival of Cancer Patients Treated with a Fermented Viscum album L. Extract (Iscador): An Update of Findings Ostermann T.a · Appelbaum S.a · PoierD.b · Boehm · BüssingA.b Complement Med Res https://doi.org/10.1159/000505202 https://hope4cancer.com
