Mistletoe and Cancer Care - It does more than spark a kiss!

Mistletoe and Cancer Care - It does more than spark a kiss!

A plant commonly associated with the holidays, Viscum album, also known as mistletoe, is a natural therapy used often in integrative cancer care. Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that grows on a variety of trees from which it obtains its nutrients. It contains a variety of compounds, the most commonly studied of which are lectins, that have been shown to stimulate the immune system and have anti-cancer effects. Cell studies on mistletoe extracts have demonstrated inhibition of cancer cell growth [3] and increase in immune function parameters, including natural killer cells, which are white blood cells responsible for the destruction of tumor cells [4, 5].

Mistletoe is primarily administered as a subcutaneous injection, and commonly used alongside chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or other conventional treatments in countries such as Switzerland, Germany, and Austria to improve quality of life and manage side effects associated with treatments in patients with cancer [2]. 

Numerous studies have been conducted on the therapeutic use of mistletoe. One of the best methodologically-designed studies was conducted on mistletoe in advanced pancreatic cancer patients, which suggested that patients in the mistletoe treatment group had longer overall survival times compared to those in the control group [6]. The majority of research on mistletoe suggests it supports quality of life in cancer patients and decreases severity and frequency of treatment-related side effects [8, 9]. Mistletoe is generally well-tolerated and safe to use alongside various common chemotherapeutic agents [7].

To learn more about mistletoe therapy, contact us and/or book an appointment with Dr. Dana Kolenich ND!

[1] Pelzer F, Tröger W. Complementary treatment with mistletoe extracts during chemotherapy: safety, neutropenia, fever, and quality of life assessed in a randomized study. J Altern Complement Med. 2018; 24(9-10):954-961. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30247950/

[2] Melzer J, Iten F, Hostanska K et al. Efficacy and safety of mistletoe preparations (Viscum album) for patients with cancer diseases. A systematic review. Forsch Komplementmed. 2009; 16(4):217-226. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19729932/

[3] Eggenschwiler J, von Balthazar L, Stritt B, et al. Mistletoe lectin is not the only cytotoxic component in fermented preparations of Viscum album from white fir (Abies pectinata). BMC Complement Altern Med. 2007; 7:14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17493268/

[4] Büssing A, Rosenberger A, Stumpf C et al. Development of lymphocyte subsets in tumor patients after subcutaneous administration of mistletoe extracts. Forsch Komplementmed. 1999; 6(4):196-204. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10529579/

[5] Beuth J, Ko HL, Gabius HJ, et al. Behaviour of lymphocyte subsets and expression of activation markers in response to immunotherapy with galactoside-specific lectin from mistletoe in breast cancer patients. Clin Investig. 1992; 70(8):658-61. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1392440/

[6] Viscum album [L.] extract in patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer: a randomised clinical trial on overall survival. Eur J Cancer. 2013; 49(18):3788-97. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23890767/

[7] Weissenstein U, Kunz M, Urech K et al. Interaction of standardized mistletoe (Viscum album) extracts with chemotherapeutic drugs regarding cytostatic and cytotoxic effects in vitro. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014; 14:6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24397864/

[8] Beuth J, Schneider B, Schierholz JM. Impact of complementary treatment of breast cancer patients with standardized mistletoe extract during aftercare: a controlled multicenter comparative epidemiological cohort study. Anticancer Res. 2008; 28(1B):523-7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18383896/ 
[9] Tröger W, Galun D, Reif M, et al. Quality of life of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer during treatment with mistletoe: a randomized controlled trial. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2014; 111(29-30):493-502. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25142075/

Micronutrient Testing at Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine

At Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine we proudly offer Spectracell Micronutrient testing, one of the most comprehensive nutrient tests to assess the nutrient stores in your body that will keep you performing at the top of your game.

The Spectracell Micronutrient test allows your Naturopathic Doctor to assess how well your body utilizes 31 vitamins, minerals, amino/fatty acids, antioxidants, and metabolites (listed below).

Why is this information important?

 Nutritional balance plays a key role in optimal wellness, chronic disease prevention and managing the aging process. Each nutrient in our body is responsible for specific physiological functions that make them unique and irreplaceable. Virtually all metabolic and developmental processes that take place in the body require micronutrients, and strong evidence suggests that subtle vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant deficiencies can contribute to degenerative processes such as arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. As well, evidence suggests that a lack of these vital nutrients may have a profound impact on the body’s immune system. Eating a balanced diet, exercising and taking a multivitamin may not be enough. Every individual is unique and a micronutrient test will allow your Naturopathic Doctor to see where you might be lacking.

Who may benefit from having the Spectracell Micronutrient test?

Spectracell micronutrient testing can be very beneficial for individuals with the following conditions and disease:

            - Cardiovascular disease

            - Diabetes

            - Neurological disorders/Alzheimer’s          

            - Mood disorders

            - Osteoporosis

            - Fertility issues

            - Cancer

 It may also be helpful to get tested if you feel like you are suffering from a nutritional deficiency or just want to stay on top of your health. Some of the signs and symptoms of a nutrition deficiency include: fatigue, anxiety, weight loss or weight gain, loss of appetite, tingling hands, muscle cramping, vomiting, heart flutter, skin conditions, depression, bruising, reduced muscle mass, muscle weakness, diarrhea, hair loss, digestive problems, numbness, nausea, constipation, impaired wound healing, and low libido.

The cost for this test is 620 dollars, which is pricey, but the results may help you save money in others areas by helping you cut out supplements you are currently taking that are not necessary for you at this time, and re-prioritizing the supplements that are truly addressing your body’s needs. For more information on the Spectracell micronutrient test book an appointment to speak to your Naturopathic Doctor or call our office to book in for a sample collection today!

**content adapted from Micronutrient Testing Nutrition at the Core of Personalized Wellness