The mistletoe is the most known representative of phyto-therapeutics in cancer therapy. It is botanically seen a half parasite and was firstly parenterally used in cancer therapy by Rudolf Steiner the founder of anthroposophy.

In the meantime substances of the mistletoe extract can be isolated and in addition single compounds can be standardized. Mistletoe lectin 1 is very effective; it is said to have cytotoxic as well as immunologic effects in low dosage. Mistletoe extracts that are on the German market are total extracts that can be dosed differently depending on the indication. Used in low dosage mistletoe has primarily an effect that stimulates the immunologic system, in high dosage it can show a cytotoxic (cancer cell destroying) effect.

Indications are the adjuvant cancer therapy (pre- and postoperative), the postoperative recidiv prophylaxis as well as definded praecanceroses.

With some cancers amongst others with the not small-celled lung cancer, mistletoe has the effect of destroying cancer cells if applied by infusion.

Except for some possible allergic reactions there are no side effects known if the therapy is applied according to “good medical practice” (GMP) standards.