Anybody using/know anything about mistletoe extract?

Sue2690

I'm using a mistletoe extract from Europe called Iscador which studies have shown to reduce recurrance by 40%, but I haven't seen mention of it here.  Anybody else using it?  Not using it, for a reason?  Is there something about it I should know?

Husband11

I looked into it, following advice from a naturopath, and didn't find the evidence of effectiveness compelling.

thenewme

A few links to share regarding mistletoe (Iscador)

National Cancer Institute Summary of the Evidence for Mistletoe Extracts

Mistletoe - viable alternative cancer treatment, or just a placebo with dangerous side-effects? 

Memorial Sloan Kettering: Bottom Line: Because there is no solid proof that it works, mistletoe should not be used to treat cancer, hepatitis, or any other disease.

MsBliss

I used Iscador for 1 year after diagnosis, then discontinued it for no other reason then my own sense that it was time to stop and it had done it's job.  I went to a naturopath who prescribed it the following day of my dx/ biopsy results.  I felt that even if it didn't do anything, it was emotionally stabilizing for me.  I also feel that since I didn't do chemo or rads, it was just a small part of an overall protocol which included life style changes and supplements.  I can't say if it did anything, but I know this:  I had a very aggressive triple negative tumor with adjoining high grade DCIS.  When I did not do rads (or chemo), my surgeon was extremely upset, and looking back, I think I know why now:  I think he did not dissect the biopsy tracks; he was expecting the rads and chemo to clean that portion up.  I attribute some of my lack of recurrence to the use of Iscador and other interventions, although I have absolutely no proof of this.  If you can afford it, I don't think there is any harm in doing it for at least the minimum recommended time.  I learned that some people stretch the use of each vial by doing one half a vial of the stronger prescription and refridgerating the remaining portion for use the next day.

Please educate yourself as much as possible before you opt out of conventional treatments.  I did not take that road lightly or make any treatment choices based on anecdotal testimony.