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What is Mistletoe Therapy for Cancer?
Mistletoe therapy, also called Viscum album Extract (VAE) therapy, has been prescribed by cancer doctors in Europe for over 100 years. Currently, approximately ⅔ of all cancer patients in Germany are prescribed VAE therapy, usually right alongside their conventional cancer treatments. Though not yet FDA approved, it is available in the US from a few specially trained physicians.
How does mistletoe help cancer patients?
- Mistletoe increases your body’s Natural Killer cells (NK cells), the type of white blood cell that fights cancer.
- Mistletoe directly kills cancer cells, like chemotherapy, but does not harm healthy cells.
- Mistletoe inhibits the growth of new blood vessels to tumors, depriving them of energy they need to grow.
- Mistletoe improves tolerance to chemotherapy.
- Mistletoe improves quality of life for most cancer patients.
How is mistletoe administered?
It must be taken by injection. Patients are taught to give themselves a shot in the abdomen using a small needle (insulin type needle). The frequency of injections varies from person to person. The average is about 2-3 times a week.
Are there side effects?
Rarely. Most people tolerate mistletoe very well. Occasionally people can feel flu-like symptoms, but this can usually be helped by the doctor adjusting the dose.
Can I use mistletoe at the same time as my conventional cancer treatment?
Yes! In Europe, most patients are using it alongside regular treatments. It has also been shown to improve tolerance to chemotherapy. Patients who are not using conventional treatments can also use mistletoe.
Can mistletoe be used preventively?
Yes! In patients at high risk, mistletoe can be used to prevent cancer. In patients with a past history of cancer, mistletoe is a good way to prevent recurrence. Injections are taken less often when using it preventively.
How much does mistletoe cost? Does insurance cover it?
Mistletoe (as well as most other ‘holistic’ and natural therapies) isn’t yet recognized by insurances in the US. Even though Johns Hopkins is doing current research on mistletoe, it will be years before insurance might cover it*. However, mistletoe is reasonably priced. A box of 10 injections (which usually lasts a month or longer) costs, on average, $78-$120, though it varies by strength and brand. The initial office visit is $485 (~1.5 hr visit). Follow up visits, usually twice yearly, average $210-$250 for 45-60 min.
*VAE therapy is available as an off-label use of Viscum album in the FDA-regulated HPUS.
Dr. Karin Cseak has been prescribing mistletoe therapy for 18 years. She has extensive training and experience in the subtleties of its proper use. Please contact her office and set up a meet/greet phone call for more information.
Karin Cseak, DO
556 Portage Trail West
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
330-923-3060
More information about mistletoe therapy can be found at: https://www.believebig.org/what-is-mistletoe/
