Mistletoe Therapy in Cancer Treatment

Written by: Dr. Marisa

Edited by: Drs. Andersen & Marisa

What is Mistletoe therapy?

Similar to the mistletoe we think of when kissing underneath at Christmas, European mistletoe (Viscum album) is a semi-parasitic plant that grows on various host trees. It has been used as a herbal therapy since Hippocrates’ and Paracelsus’ times and more recently as a successful remedy for advanced cancers since 1917. The use of mistletoe therapy for cancer found its origins in Anthroposophic Medicine, founded by Dr. Ita Wegman and inspired by the teachings of Rudolph Steiner, who also created Waldorf schools and Biodynamic agriculture. This therapy is widely used and integrated into conventional care throughout central Europe, especially in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. 

While there are many different types of host trees, the ones most commonly used are Apple, Fir, and Pine. Each imparts a slightly different therapeutic value, therefore the specific tree variety is chosen based on cancer type, type of conventional therapy or history of, and presentation of the patient. The plant material is processed with alcohol and water to extract its active constituents, which are then further diluted into the final therapeutic product. 

What does Mistletoe do?

Mistletoe has several active constituents including mistletoe lectins, viscotoxins, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and more. Studies have shown that these components work synergistically with one another to provide better outcomes when a whole herb extract is used as opposed to using specific isolated compounds. Mistletoe's strongest action is on the immune system, although it also has direct cytotoxic (killing cancer cells), neuroendocrine (improving mood and decreasing pain), DNA stabilization (which is often dysregulated in cancer), and antiangiogenic (stopping new blood vessel formation in the tumor) effects. It impacts multiple pathways that are involved in the cancer process including MAPK and PI3K/AKT which play a role in tumor proliferation (growth) as well as modulating cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (programmed cell death). 

With respect to its impact on the immune system, mistletoe has been shown to increase Natural Killer (NK) cell activity and counts, which is the primary type of immune cell responsible for finding and eliminating cancer cells in the body. Additionally, it causes an increase in other immune cells, including dendritic cells, leukocytes, eosinophils, granulocytes, and lymphocytes as well as an increase in cytokine secretion. All of these cells work in concert to improve immune function, which is commonly compromised in cancer patients (even before going through conventional treatment). 

In addition to its impact on cancer, mistletoe also helps improve cardiac function, blood sugar regulation, inflammatory resolution, mitochondrial activity, liver and kidney function, and wound healing as well as having antimicrobial properties. 

How does mistletoe help?

There are many clinical studies (in humans) that have shown mistletoe’s potential to improve quality of life, decrease side effects of conventional therapy, and increase overall survival. (For a good summary of these studies please click here.) Mistletoe has great synergy with conventional treatment and is safely and effectively used alongside surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. 

Beyond its impact on the physical body, mistletoe also has profound effects on the deeper levels of the Self. Anthroposophic Medicine teaches that each human exists on 4 levels: the Physical body (our physical form), Etheric body (formative and life processes), Astral body (soul), and the “I” (individuality or spirit). It is believed that one of the reasons cancer develops is that one develops a dissociation in the highest level of Self, the “I”. That is, we create a reflective disconnected entity in the “Physical body”, separated from our essence or spirit, which presents as a cancerous tumor in our physical form. The beauty of mistletoe is that it helps to facilitate the reintegration of this divided or isolated physical form with the spirit, which aids in a cohesive healing experience on all levels of existence.  

How is Mistletoe administered?

Mistletoe can be administered subcutaneously (under the skin), intravenously (into the blood), or intratumorally (directly into a tumor). At Matrix Wellness, our favorite method of application is subcutaneous injection, as this is something patients can do at home without the extra cost of office visits, IV supplies, and time spent in an infusion chair. This method also empowers the patient to play an active role in their healing process. 

Subcutaneous injections are administered every 2-4 days and begin with a dose escalation period until we find the correct dose for each person as determined by their skin reaction. More details are discussed with Dr. Marisa to ensure each patient is confident with self-administering mistletoe before beginning this therapy.

There is no specific length of time that mistletoe therapy will be incorporated into one’s treatment plan. This decision is based on each patient’s current level of burden, their conventional treatment plan, long term health  goals, and individual resources. 

If you are interested in discussing if mistletoe therapy is appropriate for you or a loved one, please reach out to the caring team at Matrix Wellness. 

PMID: 32621089

PMID: 32690087