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viscum album
Viscum album extract stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells through activation of natural killer cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
Viscum album extract stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells through activation of natural killer cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Used for Adjunctive therapy in various cancers (breast, colorectal, gastric, ovarian), Palliative care and quality of life improvement in advanced cancer.
At a glance
| Generic name | viscum album |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Ilsan Cha hospital |
| Drug class | Immunostimulant; plant-derived extract |
| Target | Multiple (lectins, viscotoxins; non-specific immune activation) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Viscum album (European mistletoe) contains bioactive proteins, particularly lectins and viscotoxins, that enhance innate and adaptive immune responses against malignant cells. The extract promotes production of cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, and increases the cytotoxic activity of immune effector cells. This immunostimulatory mechanism is thought to work synergistically with conventional cancer therapies.
Approved indications
- Adjunctive therapy in various cancers (breast, colorectal, gastric, ovarian)
- Palliative care and quality of life improvement in advanced cancer
Common side effects
- Local injection site reactions (erythema, induration)
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
Key clinical trials
- 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)
- A Prospective Dose Finding Study of Iscador Infusion (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Safety and Efficacy of Herbal Tea in Type 2 Diabetics (NA)
- Mistletoe Extract in Early or Advanced Breast Cancer, A Feasibility Study (PHASE4)
- Maximum Tolerable Concentration of abnobaVISCUM Fraxini Intravesically in Patients With Superficial Bladder Cancer (PHASE1, PHASE2)
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 |