Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Mistletoe (Viscum album) extracts have been used as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment, particularly in Europe, for nearly a century. The rationale for their use is partly traditional, but numerous clinical studies have investigated their potential to improve quality of life and reduce chemotherapy side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and immunosuppression. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest that mistletoe extracts may reduce the severity of chemotherapy-induced side effects and improve patient well-being, although the methodological quality of these studies varies, and some have significant limitations such as small sample sizes or lack of blinding. A 2019 Cochrane review concluded that mistletoe extracts might have beneficial effects on quality of life and tolerability of chemotherapy, but also highlighted the need for better-designed, larger trials to confirm these findings. The proposed mechanisms include immunomodulatory effects, such as increased natural killer cell activity and cytokine production. Regulatory agencies in some European countries allow the use of mistletoe preparations as supportive cancer care, whereas in others (such as the United States), its use remains controversial and is not approved by the FDA. Overall, while there is some scientific evidence supporting mistletoe’s use to reduce chemotherapy side effects, it is not universally accepted, and patients should consult with their healthcare providers before considering its use.

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