The use of mistletoe extracts in cancer patients

Zusammenfassung

Zur Anwendung von Mistelextrakten bei Krebspatienten

Die medizinische Anwendung der Mistel ist traditionell. Die Entdeckung der Mistellektine als wirksamkeitsbestimmende Inhaltsstoffe führte dazu, dass das Interesse an ihrem gezielten Einsatz bei Krebspatienten wuchs. Auch wenn eine große Anzahl an präklinischen Daten zur antitumoralen Wirkung der Mistellektine vorliegt, haben sie bis heute keinen Platz in der Krebstherapie gefunden. Dennoch werden Mistelpräparate auf der Basis von klinischen Daten häufig zur Verbesserung der Lebensqualität und für eine bessere Verträglichkeit der Chemotherapie eingesetzt.

Summary

The use of mistletoe in medicine is traditional. The identification of mistletoe lectins as the main active ingredient has inspired interested experts to look for new approaches in using mistletoe formulations in cancer patients. Although there is a large amount of preclinical data on the antitumour activity of mistletoe lectins available, there has been no cancerostatic use in oncology so far. Based on clinical data, however, various mistletoe preparations are being widely used as a complementary therapy to help improve the quality of life of cancer patients and to reduce the adverse effects of chemotherapy.

Schlüsselwörter

Mistelextrakte - Mistellektine - Viscum album L - Phytotherapie - Brustkrebs - Lebensqualität - Klinische Studien

Key words

Mistletoe extracts - mistletoe lectins - Viscum album L - phytotherapy - breast cancer - quality of life - clinical studies

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