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Mistletoe extract (Iscador Qu)
Mistletoe extract (Iscador Qu) stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells through activation of natural killer cells and other immune effectors.
Mistletoe extract (Iscador Qu) 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 solid tumors (breast, lung, colorectal, ovarian cancer), Improvement of quality of life and survival in cancer patients.
At a glance
| Generic name | Mistletoe extract (Iscador Qu) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Fermented aqueous extract of Viscum album ssp album (L.) |
| Sponsor | Karolinska University Hospital |
| Drug class | Herbal immunotherapy agent |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Iscador Qu contains bioactive compounds including lectins and viscotoxins that enhance innate and adaptive immune responses against malignant cells. The extract promotes cytokine production, increases natural killer cell activity, and may induce apoptosis in cancer cells. It is used as an adjunctive immunotherapy in cancer treatment to improve survival and quality of life.
Approved indications
- Adjunctive treatment in various solid tumors (breast, lung, colorectal, ovarian cancer)
- Improvement of quality of life and survival in cancer patients
Common side effects
- Local injection site reactions
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
Key clinical trials
- Iscador® P (Mistletoe) Immunotherapy for Recurrent Osteogenic Sarcoma (PHASE2)
- 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)
- A Prospective Dose Finding Study of Iscador Infusion (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Mistletoe Extract in Early or Advanced Breast Cancer, A Feasibility Study (PHASE4)
- Iscador Qu as Supportive Treatment in Colorectal Cancer (Union International Cancer Control, UICC Stages II-IV)
- Iscador Qu as Supportive Treatment in Pancreatic Cancer (Union for International Cancer Control, UICC Stages II-IV)
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 (Iscador Qu) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Mistletoe extract (Iscador Qu) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Karolinska University Hospital portfolio CI