Complementary Medical Botanical Treatment Mistletoe for Chemotherapy

During her slot on a Larry King show, Suzanne Somers said she opted for a complementary medicine treatment to chemotherapy, to rid herself of cancer. The alternative she chose was mistletoe extract injections.

Currently, NCCAM is studying the effectiveness of mistletoe extract, considered a complementary medicine botanical, in patients with advanced tumors.

The mistletoe, a traditional decorative "kissing ball" at holiday events, is also used throughout Europe as one of the most commonly-prescribed complementary medicine treatments for pre and post-cancer surgery, with or without chemotherapy and radiation therapy, particularly in Germany and Switzerland. According to European physicians, mistletoe extract strengthens the immune system and may slow the growth of cancer. The injections are made near or directly into the cancerous tumor. Somers had hers injected into her abdomen.

Mistletoe is used in Europe as a complementary therapy to treat several types of cancer, including breast, cervical, ovarian, stomach, colon, lung, leukemias, sarcomas, and lymphomas.

Only European species of mistletoe, called Iscador or Helixor, have been used in these countries so far, but they have not been approved in the U.S.

There have been some side effects recorded, such as headaches and fever. Also, mistletoe is toxic when ingested or taken intravenously. Its effectiveness and safety hinges on type used, season when harvested, preparation (fermented or non-fermented, and method of administration.

Studies show that the majority of cancer patients in four ethnic groups (Latino, white, black, and Chinese) use alternative and complementary therapies in addition to standard cancer treatment.

Choices for complementary and alternative treatments for cancer patients include herbal remedies, yoga and meditation, massage therapy, spirituality, and acupuncture.