Mistletoe Extract Judged Ineffective for Cancer Preparations made from the mistletoe plant have become increasingly popular as alternative therapy in the fight against cancer. But a new study finds that supplementing regular cancer treatment with mistletoe extract is of no added benefit to patients suffering from at least one type of cancer. Those who support the effectiveness of mistletoe-based preparations as cancer therapy say the compounds boost the immune system by stimulating the release of cancer cell-killing immune cells. An increasing number of cancer patients seem willing to place their faith in these claims. According to Dr. M. K. Steuer-Vogt of the Technische Universitat Munchen in Munich, ''the yearly expenditure for these preparations is estimated to be over $30 million in Germany alone with an annual increase of 20%.'' However, they also point out that there has been very little research to back up manufacturers' claims. In their study, Steuer-Vogt's team compared the long-term outcomes of nearly 500 patients with a particular type of cancer, head and neck squamous cell cancer. Each of the study participants received standard therapy--surgery or surgery plus radiotherapy--and a 60-week course of either mistletoe extract or a (''dummy'') placebo. They published their findings in a recent issue of the European Journal of Cancer. According to the researchers, the 5-year study ``failed to show any significant differences in either of the treatment groups.'' Blood tests revealed no differences in immune-cell response, and long-term survival was similar regardless of whether patients took mistletoe or not. ``Furthermore,'' the authors add, ``no significant changes in...(patient) quality of life could be detected'' between the two groups. Steuer-Vogt and colleagues conclude that mistletoe therapy cannot be recommended as a secondary treatment for patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer. In an editorial comment, Dr. E. Ernst of the University of Exeter, UK, agrees with the conclusions of the German team, calling the study ``sound.'' He notes that mistletoe therapy was also found to be associated with harmful side effects such as redness and itching, and could be very expensive if used over a long period of time. ``The money might be used elsewhere with greater benefit to the patient,'' Ernst concludes. SOURCE: European Journal of Cancer 2001;37:9-11, 23-31. Thanks to Reuters Health Ann's NOTE: This study has been critized by the authors of the May 2001 Dr. Grossarth-Maticek as using too little mistletoe or an element of it, to matter as a therapy. It has been stated many times that it is possible to do a study inappropriately or in such a way as to get the results wanted/expected or needed. See that study on this site too. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.