Last reviewed · How we verify
Mistletoe extract
Mistletoe extract stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells through activation of natural killer cells and other immune effectors.
Mistletoe extract stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells through activation of natural killer cells and other immune effectors. Used for Adjunctive treatment in various cancers (breast, colorectal, gastric, lung), Quality of life improvement in cancer patients.
At a glance
| Generic name | Mistletoe extract |
|---|---|
| Also known as | There's no drug to be administered in the control group., abnobaVISCUM Quercus 0.02 mg, abnobaVISCUM Quercus 0.2 mg, abnobaVISCUM Quercus 2 mg, abnobaVISCUM Quercus 20 mg |
| Sponsor | Rambam Health Care Campus |
| Drug class | Botanical immunostimulant |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Mistletoe extract contains bioactive compounds (lectins, viscotoxins, polysaccharides) that enhance innate and adaptive immune responses against malignant cells. It is believed to work through multiple pathways including direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells, increased production of cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, and activation of dendritic cells and lymphocytes. The extract has been used in complementary oncology, particularly in European cancer treatment protocols.
Approved indications
- Adjunctive treatment in various cancers (breast, colorectal, gastric, lung)
- Quality of life improvement in cancer patients
Common side effects
- Injection site reactions
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
Key clinical trials
- Iscador® P (Mistletoe) Immunotherapy for Recurrent Osteogenic Sarcoma (PHASE2)
- Therapeutic Instillation of Mistletoe (PHASE3)
- Viscum Album for TNBC on Adjuvant Pembrolizumab (PHASE4)
- Safety and Modulation of Adaptive Immunity by Iscador® Qu Viscum Album Extract in Patients With Advanced, Recurrent or Metastatic Cancers Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (PHASE4)
- Mistletoe Therapy in Primary and Recurrent Inoperable Pancreatic Cancer (PHASE3)
- Trial of Mistletoe Extract in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors (PHASE1)
- A Prospective Dose Finding Study of Iscador Infusion (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Mistletoe Extract in Early or Advanced Breast Cancer, A Feasibility Study (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Mistletoe extract CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Mistletoe extract updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Rambam Health Care Campus portfolio CI