Quality of Life of Cancer Patients under Adjuvant Mistletoe Treatment Results of a prospective, non-randomized, controlled, open study (post-marketing surveillance) with Iscador (R) M

Background: Mistletoe extracts (Viscum album L.) are applied in anthroposophic medicine in addition to conventional oncologic therapy, with the intention of reducing adverse events of chemotherapy and thereby improving the patients' qualitiy of life. Aim of the study: Documentation of the efficacy and tolerability of the anthroposophical mistletoe preparation Iscador (R) M in the treatment of patients with gynaecological cancer during chemotherapy, especially regarding the quality of life. Design: Prospective, controlled post-marketing surveillance. Methods: 36 female patients received a therapy with Iscador (R) in addition to the chemotherapeutical treatment, 37 female patients of the control group received exclusively a conventional therapy. The period of observation covered 6 months. Results: In comparison to the controlpatients the Iscador (R) patients showed better blood parameters and less physical and psychical impairment usually associated with chemotherapy. Conclusion: In summary, more patients of the Iscador (R) group experienced an amelioration or a stabilisation of their general condition and good tolerance of the mistletoe preparation.