Study of intravenous mistletoe extract to treat advanced cancer

The Power of Mistletoe Extract in Cancer Therapy: A Clinical Trial When it comes to cancer treatment, the search for alternative options is relentless. One powerful potential alternative is Mistletoe extract, a natural substance derived from a parasitic herb found on the branches of oak, apple, and pine trees. Mistletoe extract has been used for centuries to treat an array of health conditions, but in modern times, its potential use in cancer therapy has been the focus of much research. While anecdotal evidence and animal studies have been promising, there is a dearth of clinical trials in humans. Now, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center are changing that with a first-of-its-kind phase I trial of intravenous Helixor M, a type of mistletoe extract. The primary objective of the trial is to assess safety, determine dosing for possible future clinical trials, and explore potential benefits for cancer patients. The Benefits of Mistletoe Extract for Cancer Therapy Mistletoe extract contains a variety of compounds, including flavonoids, lectins, and polysaccharides, that give it numerous anti-cancer effects. Many of these compounds are known to be immunomodulatory, meaning that they help boost the immune system. Other compounds are cytotoxic, meaning they can directly target and destroy cancer cells. What's more, mistletoe extract is thought to be beneficial for cancer patients beyond the disease itself. Studies have suggested that mistletoe extract can help reduce toxicity of some chemotherapies and radiation, as well as help improve quality of life. The Current Clinical Trial at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center The current phase I clinical trial at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center is the first of its kind in the U.S., and it is designed to determine a safe and effective dose of Helixor M for cancer patients. The study is being conducted in two phases. In the first phase, the safety of Helixor M will be determined by assessing for side effects in patients with advanced cancers. If the data from this phase shows that the treatment is safe, then the second phase will test different doses of the drug to determine the most effective dosage and the best route of administration. The trial is open to adults with any advanced cancer except those that is known to have a direct effect on the immune system, such as lymphomas and myelomas. The participants will receive the drug through an intravenous infusion three times per week for seven weeks. Data From Clinical Trials to Inform Treatment Decisions Though the results of this trial are yet to be seen, researchers are hopeful that the data collected will provide an evidence-based basis for future clinical trials as well as inform treatment decisions for oncologists and patients. They are also hopeful that through the continued study of mistletoe extract, more cancer patients can benefit from an alternative therapy. While the results from this trial will be the first of its kind in the U.S., the mistletoe extract has been studied in clinical trials abroad for years. Studies have shown that it can be effective in treating certain types of cancers, as well as in improving quality of life while undergoing traditional cancer treatments. As we await the results of the current trial, it is undeniable that Mistletoe extract has already been shown to have potential therapeutic benefits for cancer patients. Here's to hoping that this trial will bring us one step closer to making mistletoe extract a viable treatment option for cancer patients in the U.S. and beyond.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-medical-news/study-of-intravenous-mistletoe-extract-to-treat-advanced-cancer

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