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Utz S, Bittel M, Langhorst J. [Phytotherapeutic recommendations in medical guidelines for the treatment of gastroenterological diseases - a systematic review]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2024; 62:1060-1073. [PMID: 38604221 DOI: 10.1055/a-2279-5045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Phytotherapeutics are gaining influence in the treatment of gastroenterological diseases. Their popularity and growing evidence of efficacy contribute to their integration into medical guidelines. A systematic screening identified recommended phytotherapeutic approaches. Based on current scientific data, some recommendations for the use of phytotherapeutic agents are given. For irritable bowel syndrome the use of peppermint oil is "strongly recommended", especially for pain and flatulence. Other phytotherapeutics such as STW-5, Tibetan Padma Lax or warm caraway oil pads have proven effective in alleviating symptoms. It is "recommended" to integrate them into the treatment concept. For chronic constipation, 30g of fiber per day is recommended. Best data exists for plantago psyllium with moderate evidence and chicory inulin. In case of ulcerative colitis, plantago psyllium as well as the combination of myrrh, chamomile flower extract, and coffee charcoal can be used as a complementary treatment in maintaining remission. There is also an "open recommendation" for curcumin for both, remission induction and maintenance. Some phytotherapeutic treatments (e.g., Artemisia absintium, Boswellia serata) show evidence of effectiveness for the treatment of Crohn's disease, but data are not yet sufficient for recommendations. Cannabis-based medicines can be considered for abdominal pain and clinically relevant appetite loss if standard therapy is ineffective or contraindicated, but they should not be used for acute inflammation in active Crohn's disease. Further recommendations for other gastroenterological diseases are discussed. The safety and tolerability of the phytotherapeutics were rated as predominantly "very good" to "acceptable". Some clear recommendations for the use of phytotherapeutics to treat gastroenterological diseases show their great potential. Due to their wide range of effects, phytotherapeutics can be used very well as a complement to conventional medicines in case of complex regulatory disorders. However, further methodologically well-conducted impact studies would be helpful in order to be able to make further recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Utz
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Sozialstiftung Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Medicinal Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Bittel
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Sozialstiftung Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Medicinal Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Jost Langhorst
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Sozialstiftung Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Medicinal Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
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Guglielmetti G, Baumgartner S, Scherr C, Martin D, Tournier AL. Chronobiology of Viscum album L.: a time series of daily metabolomic fingerprints spanning 27 years. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1396212. [PMID: 38860114 PMCID: PMC11163206 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1396212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) has been gaining increasing interest in the field of oncology as a clinically relevant adjunctive treatment in many forms of cancer. In the field of phytopharmacology, harvesting time is pivotal. In the last century, a form of metabolomic fingerprinting based on pattern formation was proposed as a way to determine optimal harvesting times to ensure high quality of mistletoe as raw material for pharmaceutical use. In order to further evaluate the information obtained with this metabolomic fingerprinting method, we analysed a large time series of previously undigitised daily mistletoe chromatograms dating back to the 1950s. Methods: These chromatograms were scanned and evaluated using computerized image analysis, resulting in 12 descriptors for each individual chromatogram. We performed a statistical analysis of the data obtained, investigating statistical distributions, cross-correlations and time self-correlations. Results: The analysed dataset spanning about 27 years, contains 19,037 evaluable chromatograms in daily resolution. Based on the distribution and cross-correlation analyses, the 12 descriptors could be clustered into six independent groups describing different aspects of the chromatograms. One descriptor was found to mirror the annual rhythm being well correlated with temperature and a phase shift of 10 days. The time self-correlation analysis showed that most other descriptors had a characteristic self-correlation of ∼50 days, which points to further infradian rhythms (i.e., more than 24 h). Discussion: To our knowledge, this dataset is the largest of its type. The combination of this form of metabolomic fingerprinting with the proposed computer analysis seems to be a promising tool to characterise biological variations of mistletoe. Additional research is underway to further analyse the different rhythms present in this dataset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Guglielmetti
- Institute for Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
- Hiscia Research Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Arlesheim, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Baumgartner
- Institute for Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
- Hiscia Research Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Arlesheim, Switzerland
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Scherr
- Hiscia Research Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Arlesheim, Switzerland
| | - David Martin
- Institute for Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
| | - Alexander L. Tournier
- Institute for Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Hofinger J, Kaesmann L, Buentzel J, Scharpenberg M, Huebner J. Systematic assessment of the influence of quality of studies on mistletoe in cancer care on the results of a meta-analysis on overall survival. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:219. [PMID: 38679615 PMCID: PMC11056339 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05742-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mistletoe treatment in cancer patients is controversial, and a Cochrane review concluded that due to heterogeneity, performing a meta-analysis was not suitable. However, several systematic reviews included meta-analyses in favor of mistletoe. The aim of this work was to assess the influence of the methodological quality of controlled studies on the results of a meta-analysis regarding overall survival. METHODS Between April and August 2022, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsycINFO, CINAHL and Web of Science were systematically searched. In addition, reference lists of previously published meta-analyses were checked for relevant publications. A random effects meta-analysis with clustering was performed. The risk of bias within the studies was assessed using ROB 2.0 and ROBINS-I. RESULTS The search identified 4685 hits, and 28 publications reporting on 28 298 patients were included in the quantitative analysis. Overall, the analysis led to a significant result in favor of mistletoe therapy (overall HR = 0.61 with 95% CI [0.53;0.7]). According to our subgroup analysis of randomized studies, studies of higher quality (lower risk of bias) did not lead to a significant result in favor of mistletoe therapy (HR = 0.78; CI = [0.30; 2.00]). CONCLUSIONS In the case of mistletoe therapy, the results of the meta-analysis strongly depended on the methodological quality of the included studies. Calculating meta-analyses that include low-quality studies may lead to severe misinterpretation of the data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorina Hofinger
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hämatologie und Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany.
| | - Lukas Kaesmann
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie und Radioonkologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Buentzel
- Klinik für Hals‑Nasen‑Ohren‑Heilkunde, Südharzklinikum, Nordhausen, Germany
| | | | - Jutta Huebner
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hämatologie und Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany
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Cogo E, Elsayed M, Bhardwaj S, Cooley K, Aycho C, Liang V, Papadogianis P, Psihogios A, Seely D. Mistletoe Extracts during the Oncological Perioperative Period: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Randomized Controlled Trials. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:8196-8219. [PMID: 37754510 PMCID: PMC10529072 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30090595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mistletoe extract (ME) use during the oncological perioperative period. METHODS Details registered a priori on PROSPERO (CRD42018086168). RESULTS Seven RCTs (comprising 663 participants in nine reports) and three nonrandomized studies were included. In five RCTs, ME was evaluated as adjunctive care and the control group had no additional intervention, whereas in two RCTs, ME was compared head-to-head against common cancer treatments (i.e., etoposide or bacillus Calmette-Guérin) with the intervention groups not receiving standard care. Meta-analyses found no evidence for a difference between ME and no added therapy for mortality and recurrence (RR, 95% CI: 1.00, 0.79-1.27; and 1.03, 0.79-1.33, respectively). Two RCTs reported beneficial effects of ME on immune cells, specifically natural killer cells, in colorectal cancer, and one RCT reported quality of life improvement. Two RCTs reported ME discontinuations due to adverse events and grade 3/4 toxicities. Nevertheless, no safety signals were detected from these 10 studies. Quality appraisal revealed a substantial risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary data are encouraging for mistletoe extracts, particularly in the context of colorectal cancer. However, the evidence is limited by the number of studies, an evaluation of different outcomes, and methodological limitations. Further high-quality research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Cogo
- Patterson Institute for Integrative Oncology Research, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada; (E.C.); (M.E.); (S.B.); (K.C.); (C.A.)
| | - Mohamed Elsayed
- Patterson Institute for Integrative Oncology Research, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada; (E.C.); (M.E.); (S.B.); (K.C.); (C.A.)
- Radiation Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt
- The Centre for Health Innovation, Ottawa, ON K2P 0M7, Canada
| | - Sukriti Bhardwaj
- Patterson Institute for Integrative Oncology Research, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada; (E.C.); (M.E.); (S.B.); (K.C.); (C.A.)
| | - Kieran Cooley
- Patterson Institute for Integrative Oncology Research, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada; (E.C.); (M.E.); (S.B.); (K.C.); (C.A.)
- Pacific College of Health Sciences, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore 2480, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo 2007, Australia
| | - Christilynn Aycho
- Patterson Institute for Integrative Oncology Research, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada; (E.C.); (M.E.); (S.B.); (K.C.); (C.A.)
| | - Vivian Liang
- Patterson Institute for Integrative Oncology Research, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada; (E.C.); (M.E.); (S.B.); (K.C.); (C.A.)
| | - Peter Papadogianis
- Patterson Institute for Integrative Oncology Research, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada; (E.C.); (M.E.); (S.B.); (K.C.); (C.A.)
| | - Athanasios Psihogios
- Patterson Institute for Integrative Oncology Research, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada; (E.C.); (M.E.); (S.B.); (K.C.); (C.A.)
| | - Dugald Seely
- Patterson Institute for Integrative Oncology Research, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada; (E.C.); (M.E.); (S.B.); (K.C.); (C.A.)
- The Centre for Health Innovation, Ottawa, ON K2P 0M7, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
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Nicoletti M. The Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Viscum album. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1460. [PMID: 37050086 PMCID: PMC10096603 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic story of European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) presents a seesawing profile. In ancient times, this hemiparasitic plant was considered a panacea and even to be endowed with exceptional beneficial properties. In more recent times, despite its multiple uses in traditional medicines, some parts of the plant, in particular the berries, were considered poisonous and dangerous, including concerns of cytotoxicity, which spread serious suspicion on its medicinal utility. However, since the last century, medical interest in mistletoe has come back in force due to its utilization in clinical cancer treatments, based on its selective action on tumor cells. In Central Europe, the hydro-alcoholic extracts of European mistletoe register a relevant and continuous utilization in anthroposophic medicine, which is a holistic system that includes the utilization of phytomedicinal substances. In Switzerland and Germany, most physicians and patients use these products as complementary therapy in oncological treatments. However, despite its increasing use in this field, the results of mistletoe's use are not always convincing, and other aspects have appeared. Nowadays, products that contain mistletoe are utilized in several fields, including diet, phytotherapy, veterinary medicine and homeopathy, but in particular in cancer therapies as coadjuvant factors, in consideration of several positive effects including effects in the improvement of quality-of-life conditions and reinforcement of the immune system. In this review, based on the understanding of the association between cancer and inflammation, we propose a relationship between these recent uses of mistletoe, based on its antioxidant properties, which are supported by phytochemical and pharmacological data. The unicity of mistletoe metabolism, which is a direct consequence of its hemiparasitism, is utilized as a key interpretation element to explain its biological properties and steer its consequent therapeutic uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Nicoletti
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Systematic analysis of mistletoe prescriptions in clinical studies. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022:10.1007/s00432-022-04511-2. [PMID: 36481925 PMCID: PMC10356894 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04511-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
Mistletoe treatment is discussed controversial as a complementary treatment for cancer patients. Aim of this systematic analysis is to assess the concept of mistletoe treatment in the clinical studies with respect to indication, type of mistletoe preparation, treatment schedule, aim of treatment, and assessment of treatment results.
Methods
In the period from August to December 2020, the following databases were systematically searched: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsycINFO, CINAHL, and “Science Citation Index Expanded” (Web of Science). We assessed all studies for study types, methods, endpoints and mistletoe preparations including their ways of application, host trees and dosage schedules.
Results
The search concerning mistletoe therapy revealed 3296 hits. Of these, 102 publications and at total of 19.441 patients were included. We included several study types investigating the application of mistletoe in different groups of participants (cancer patients of any type of cancer were included as well as studies conducted with healthy volunteers and pediatric patients). The most common types of cancer were breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer and malignant melanoma. Randomized controlled studies, cohort studies and case reports make up most of the included studies. A huge variety was observed concerning type and composition of mistletoe extracts (differing pharmaceutical companies and host trees), ways of applications and dosage schedules. Administration varied e. g. between using mistletoe extract as sole treatment and as concomitant therapy to cancer treatment. As the analysis of all studies shows, there is no relationship between mistletoe preparation used, host tree and dosage, and cancer type.
Conclusions
Our research was not able to deviate transparent rules or guidelines with respect to mistletoe treatment in cancer care.
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Valle ACV, Brunel HDSS, Dallago BSL, Rodrigues LS, Malard PF, da Costa RA, Rossetto R, de Andrade RV. In-Vitro Growth Kinetics of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cytotoxicity Tests Using Low-Diluted Viscum Album. HOMEOPATHY 2022; 112:40-49. [PMID: 35988582 PMCID: PMC9868971 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1747682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in cytotoxicity tests is an in-vitro alternative model for predicting initial doses. Homeopathic medicines may stimulate the immune system to combat a pathology effectively and have been used for over two centuries. Viscum album (VA) extracts are widely used in the treatment of cancer, due to their immunomodulatory, cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic properties. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the in-vitro growth kinetics of canine MSC in relation to cytotoxicity, cell differentiation and expression of pluripotentiality markers, using a VA preparation at the D1D2 (1×10-1, 1×10-2 potency (VAD1D2). METHODS MSC were obtained from adipose tissue sampled from a healthy dog that was undergoing an elective veterinary procedure and with its owner's permission. The experiments were performed in three groups: MSC treated with VAD1D2 or diluent or untreated (control). The cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. The differentiation was induced in three lineages, and apoptotic cell labeling was performed by an Annexin-V test. RESULTS At the concentration of 10 μL/mL of VA, the number of cells after in-vitro culture was maintained when compared with the control (untreated) group. A significant and gradual decrease in cell viability was recorded as VA concentrations increased. The apoptosis analysis showed that VA at 20 μL/mL presented absolute percentages of initial apoptosis twice as high as at 10 μL/mL, which was similar to the control (untreated group). CONCLUSION The results suggest that the use of efficient methods to assess the in-vitro cytotoxicity of VA-based homeopathic medicines using MSC lineages may predict the potential action at different concentrations. These findings demonstrated that VAD1D2 interferes with canine MSC growth kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Viana Valle
- Doctor Izao Soares Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil,Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Patrícia Furtado Malard
- Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brazil,BioCell Cell Therapy, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael Rossetto
- Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Rosângela Vieira de Andrade
- Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brazil,Address for correspondence Rosangela Vieira de Andrade, PhD GGraduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of BrasiliaSGAN 916, Brasília, DF 70790-160Brazil
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Wells JC, Sidhu A, Ding K, Smoragiewicz M, Heng DYC, Shepherd FA, Ellis PM, Bradbury PA, Jonker DJ, Siu LL, Gelmon KA, Karapetis C, Shapiro J, Nott L, O’Callaghan CJ, Parulekar WR, Seymour L, Monzon JG. OUP accepted manuscript. Oncologist 2022; 27:e286-e293. [PMID: 35274718 PMCID: PMC8914495 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyac020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Complementary medicines (CM) are frequently used by patients with cancer. Controversy exists over the effectiveness and risk that CM may add to conventional cancer therapy. The incidence of CM use among patients enrolled in phase III clinical trials is unknown. Methods Medication lists from 6 international phase III clinical trials were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients using CM. Patients had metastatic breast, colorectal, or lung cancers. Quality of life, adverse events, overall survival, and progression-free survival were compared between CM users and non-users. Baseline differences between groups were adjusted with propensity score matching groups. Results Seven hundred and six of 3446 patients (20.5%) used at least one CM. CM use was highest among patients with breast cancer (35.6%). CM users had more favorable baseline prognostic factors (ECOG 0-1, non-smoking status, younger age, and fewer metastases). CM use was associated with lower rates of adverse events (50% vs. 62%, P = .002) and quality of life was similar between both groups. After adjustment with propensity score matching, CM use was also associated with longer overall survival in patients with lung cancer (adjusted hazard ratio 0.80, 95%CI, 0.68-0.94, P =.0054). However, several key control variables like EGFR status were not available. Conclusion One in 5 patients in phase III clinical trials report using CM. CM was not associated with worse cancer-specific outcomes. However, CM users had more favorable baseline prognostic factors, and likely other confounders that may have contributed to improved outcomes observed in the lung cohort. Physicians should monitor for CM use and potential interactions with clinical trial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aven Sidhu
- Fraser Health and Veralife Health Centre, Surrey, BC, Canada
| | - Keyue Ding
- Canadian Cancer Trials Group, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Daniel Y C Heng
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Frances A Shepherd
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter M Ellis
- Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Penelope A Bradbury
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Lillian L Siu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jose G Monzon
- Corresponding author: Jose G. Monzon, Department of Medical Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Center, University of Calgary, 1331 29 St NW, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N2. Tel: +1 403 521 3688;
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Song C, Wei XY, Qiu ZD, Gong L, Chen ZY, Ma Y, Shen Y, Zhao YJ, Wang WH, Lai CJS, Yang B. Exploring the resources of the genus Viscum for potential therapeutic applications. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 277:114233. [PMID: 34044077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The genus Viscum comprises approximately 100 species that are mainly distributed across Africa, Asia and Europe. The extracts and preparations of Viscum species are widely used as common complementary and alternative medicines in the treatment of rheumatism and cancer. AIM OF THE REVIEW This review aims to explore the medicinal properties of twelve species belonging to the genus Viscum for potential therapeutic applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected online information (including PubMed, CNKI, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) from January 1915 to April 2021 and knowledge from classical books on Chinese herbal medicines available for 12 species of the genus Viscum, including Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai, Viscum album L., Viscum articulatum Burm. f., Viscum liquidambaricola Hayata, Viscum ovalifolium DC., Viscum capitellatum Sm., Viscum cruciatum Sieber ex Boiss., Viscum nudum Danser, Viscum angulatum B.Heyne ex DC., Viscum tuberculatum A.Rich., Viscum multinerve Hayata, and Viscum diospyrosicola Hayata. RESULTS At least 250 different compounds have been reported across twelve Viscum species, including amino acid and peptides, alkaloids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, lipids, and other types of compounds. In particular, for Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai and Viscum album L., the plants, preparations, and bioactive components have been thoroughly reviewed. This has allowed to elucidate the role of active components, including lectins, viscotoxins, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides, in multiple bioactivities, such as anti-cancer, anti-rheumatism arthralgia, anti-inflammation, anti-cardiovascular diseases, enhancing immunity, and anti-chemotherapy side effects. We also evaluated quality control methods based on active compounds, in vivo exposure compounds, and discriminated chemical markers. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report to systematically review the pharmaceutical development history, chemical composition, clinical evidence, pharmacological activity, discriminated chemical markers, in vivo exposure, and quality control on twelve distinct species of Viscum plants with medicinal properties. The significant safety and efficacy, along with the minor side effects are constantly confirmed in clinics. The genus Viscum is thus an important medicinal resource that is worth exploring and developing in future pharmacological and chemical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Song
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, PR China; State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, PR China
| | - Xu-Ya Wei
- Academician Workstation, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, PR China
| | - Zi-Dong Qiu
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, PR China
| | - Li Gong
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, PR China
| | - Ze-Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, PR China
| | - Ying Ma
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, PR China
| | - Ye Shen
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, PR China
| | - Yu-Jun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, PR China
| | - Wei-Hao Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, PR China
| | - Chang-Jiang-Sheng Lai
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, PR China.
| | - Bin Yang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, PR China.
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Panossian AG, Efferth T, Shikov AN, Pozharitskaya ON, Kuchta K, Mukherjee PK, Banerjee S, Heinrich M, Wu W, Guo D, Wagner H. Evolution of the adaptogenic concept from traditional use to medical systems: Pharmacology of stress- and aging-related diseases. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:630-703. [PMID: 33103257 PMCID: PMC7756641 DOI: 10.1002/med.21743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adaptogens comprise a category of herbal medicinal and nutritional products promoting adaptability, resilience, and survival of living organisms in stress. The aim of this review was to summarize the growing knowledge about common adaptogenic plants used in various traditional medical systems (TMS) and conventional medicine and to provide a modern rationale for their use in the treatment of stress-induced and aging-related disorders. Adaptogens have pharmacologically pleiotropic effects on the neuroendocrine-immune system, which explain their traditional use for the treatment of a wide range of conditions. They exhibit a biphasic dose-effect response: at low doses they function as mild stress-mimetics, which activate the adaptive stress-response signaling pathways to cope with severe stress. That is in line with their traditional use for preventing premature aging and to maintain good health and vitality. However, the potential of adaptogens remains poorly explored. Treatment of stress and aging-related diseases require novel approaches. Some combinations of adaptogenic plants provide unique effects due to their synergistic interactions in organisms not obtainable by any ingredient independently. Further progress in this field needs to focus on discovering new combinations of adaptogens based on traditional medical concepts. Robust and rigorous approaches including network pharmacology and systems pharmacology could help in analyzing potential synergistic effects and, more broadly, future uses of adaptogens. In conclusion, the evolution of the adaptogenic concept has led back to basics of TMS and a new level of understanding of holistic approach. It provides a rationale for their use in stress-induced and aging-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and BiochemistryJohannes Gutenberg UniversityMainzGermany
| | - Alexander N. Shikov
- Department of technology of dosage formsSaint‐Petersburg State Chemical‐Pharmaceutical UniversitySt. PetersburgRussia
| | - Olga N. Pozharitskaya
- Department of BiotechnologyMurmansk Marine Biological Institute of the Kola Science Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (MMBI KSC RAS)MurmanskRussia
| | - Kenny Kuchta
- Department of Far Eastern Medicine, Clinic for Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal OncologyUniversity Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Pulok K. Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Natural Product StudiesJadavpur UniversityKolkataIndia
| | - Subhadip Banerjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Natural Product StudiesJadavpur UniversityKolkataIndia
| | - Michael Heinrich
- Research Cluster Biodiversity and Medicines, UCL School of Pharmacy, Centre for Pharmacognosy and PhytotherapyUniversity of LondonLondonUK
| | - Wanying Wu
- Shanghai Research Center for TCM Modernization, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - De‐an Guo
- Shanghai Research Center for TCM Modernization, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Hildebert Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Pharma ResearchLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
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11
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Bartelme RR. Anthroposophic Medicine: A Short Monograph and Narrative Review-Foundations, Essential Characteristics, Scientific Basis, Safety, Effectiveness and Misconceptions. Glob Adv Health Med 2020; 9:2164956120973634. [PMID: 33457106 PMCID: PMC7783888 DOI: 10.1177/2164956120973634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anthroposophic medicine is a form of integrative medicine that originated in Europe but is not well known in the US. It is comprehensive and heterogenous in scope and remains provocative and controversial in many academic circles. Assessment of the nature and potential contribution of anthroposophic medicine to whole person care and global health seems appropriate. METHODS Because of the heterogenous and multifaceted character of anthroposophic medicine, a narrative review format was chosen. A Health Technology Assessment of anthroposophic medicine in 2006 was reviewed and used as a starting point. A Medline search from 2006 to July 2020 was performed using various search terms and restricted to English. Books, articles, reviews and websites were assessed for clinical relevance and interest to the general reader. Abstracts of German language articles were reviewed when available. Reference lists of articles and the author's personal references were also consulted. RESULTS The literature on anthroposophic medicine is vast, providing new ways of thinking, a holistic view of the world, and many integrating concepts useful in medicine. In the last ∼20 years there has been a growing research base and implementation of many anthroposophical concepts in the integrated care of patients. Books and articles relevant to describing the foundations, scientific status, safety, effectiveness and criticisms of anthroposophic medicine are discussed. DISCUSSION An objective and comprehensive analysis of anthroposophic medicine finds it provocative, stimulating and potentially fruitful as an integrative system for whole person care, including under-recognized life processes and psychospiritual aspects of human beings. It has a legitimate, new type of scientific status as well as documented safety and effectiveness in some areas of its multimodal approach. Criticisms and controversies of anthroposophic medicine are often a result of lack of familiarity with its methods and approach and/or come from historically fixed ideas of what constitutes legitimate science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo R Bartelme
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Medical
School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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12
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Thronicke A, Matthes B, von Trott P, Schad F, Grah C. Overall Survival of Nonmetastasized NSCLC Patients Treated With Add-On Viscum album L: A Multicenter Real-World Study. Integr Cancer Ther 2020; 19:1534735420940384. [PMID: 32856476 PMCID: PMC7457695 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420940384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Recent data suggest a beneficial effect of add-on treatment with Viscum album L (VA) on the survival in cancer patients. The objective of this study was to compare the impact of standard oncological therapy plus add-on VA treatment (S+VA) versus standard oncological therapy alone (S) on the overall survival (OS) of patients with nonmetastasized non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Methods: The multicenter real-world data study was conducted using data from the Network Oncology Clinical Registry. The primary end point was OS. OS and impact on hazard in both treatment groups were compared. Results: A total of 275 patients with stages I to IIIA NSCLC were enrolled (mean age = 67.6 years, 57.2% male patients). No significant difference of OS was observed between both groups. Even though not significant, for a subgroup of unresected patients with stage I NSCLC, adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, a medium effect size OS improvement was observed for S+VA compared to S. Conclusions: Our findings support the importance of surgery as the most effective intervention in nonmetastasized NSCLC patients. Add-on VA therapy shows here no additional effect in resected patients. However, a small subgroup analysis suggests a possible role of add-on VA for nonresected subgroups. Our results complement existing knowledge on the clinical impact of add-on VA therapy in NSCLC patients and may serve as hypothesis-generating data for further examinations in this cohort. Further research could be directed towards the role of combined therapy for nonresected early-stage NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Burkhard Matthes
- Research Institute Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Oncology and Palliative Care, Hospital Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp von Trott
- Interdisciplinary Oncology and Palliative Care, Hospital Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Schad
- Research Institute Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Oncology and Palliative Care, Hospital Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Grah
- Research Institute Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany.,Lung Cancer Center and Department of Pneumology, Hospital Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
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13
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Thronicke A, Reinhold T, von Trott P, Grah C, Matthes B, Matthes H, Schad F. Cost-effectiveness of real-world administration of chemotherapy and add-on Viscum album L. therapy compared to chemotherapy in the treatment of stage IV NSCLC patients. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236426. [PMID: 32716969 PMCID: PMC7384610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For stage IV lung cancer patients receiving add-on Viscum album L. (VA) treatment an improved overall survival was detected. Information regarding cost-effectiveness (CE) for comparisons between chemotherapy (CTx) and CTx plus additive VA in stage IV lung cancer treatment is limited. The present study assessed the costs and cost-effectiveness of CTx plus VA (V) compared to CTx alone (C) for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treatment in a hospital in Germany. Methods In the observational real-world data study, data from the Network Oncology clinical registry were utilized. Enrolled stage IV lung cancer patients received the respective therapy (C or V) in a certified German Cancer Center. Cost and cost-effectiveness analyses from the hospital’s perspective were investigated on the basis of overall survival (OS) and routine financial controlling data. In addition, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated. The primary result of the analysis was tested for robustness in a bootstrap-based sensitivity analysis. Results 118 patients (C: n = 86, V: n = 32) were included in the analysis, mean age 63.8 years, the proportion of male patients was 55.1%. Adjusted hospital’s total mean costs for patients from the C and V group were €16,289, 95%CI: 13,834€-18,744€ (over an adjusted mean OS time of 13.4 months) and €17,992, 95%CI: 13,658–22,326 (over an adjusted mean OS time of 19.1 months), respectively. The costs per additional OS year gained (ICER) with the V-therapy compared to C therapy were €3,586. Conclusion The findings of the present study suggest that the combined use of chemotherapy and VA was clinically effective and comparably cost-effective to chemotherapy alone in our analysed patient sample from the hospital’s perspective. Further randomized and prospective cost-effectiveness studies are necessary to complement our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Thronicke
- Research Institute Havelhöhe at the Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhold
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp von Trott
- Interdisciplinary Oncology and Palliative Care, Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Grah
- Lung Cancer Centre, Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burkhard Matthes
- Lung Cancer Centre, Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
| | - Harald Matthes
- Research Institute Havelhöhe at the Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Oncology and Palliative Care, Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
- Medical Clinic for Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology CBF and Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Schad
- Research Institute Havelhöhe at the Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Oncology and Palliative Care, Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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14
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Menke K, Schwermer M, Eisenbraun J, Schramm A, Zuzak TJ. Anticancer Effects of Viscum album Fraxini Extract on Medulloblastoma Cells in vitro. Complement Med Res 2020; 28:15-22. [PMID: 32659760 DOI: 10.1159/000507318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mistletoe therapy is frequently administered as a supportive treatment in diverse pediatric cancer entities including brain tumors. Medulloblastoma is the most common brain tumor in childhood. Its high risk to metastasize and its long-term sequelae caused by aggressive chemo- or radiotherapies are still challenging. MATERIAL AND METHODS Effects of a lectin-rich mistletoe extract, abnobaVISCUM Fraxini, were investigated in two medulloblastoma cell lines (Daoy and ONS-76). Responsiveness of tumor cells was assessed by cell viability assays and xCELLigence real-time analyses. Moreover, impacts on proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were investigated. Apoptosis was studied by staining of vital mitochondria and assessing the involvement of caspases. In addition, effects on migration and invasion were analyzed. RESULTS Both medulloblastoma cell lines were more susceptible to treatment with the mistletoe extract than a nontumorigenic fibroblast cell line. In mistletoe-sensitive Daoy cells, reduction of proliferation and induction of caspase-mediated apoptosis were observed upon administration of 0.05 and 0.5 mg/mL abnobaVISCUM Fraxini treatment, respectively. Furthermore, mistletoe extract inhibited migration and invasion properties in Daoy and significantly impaired invasive capabilities of ONS-76 cells. CONCLUSION AbnobaVISCUM Fraxini has cell line dependent antitumoral effects in medulloblastoma models. These results call for further investigations, to reveal mechanistic insights into antitumorigenic properties of mistletoe extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Menke
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Melanie Schwermer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Schramm
- Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tycho Jan Zuzak
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany,
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15
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Holandino C, Melo MNDO, Oliveira AP, Batista JVDC, Capella MAM, Garrett R, Grazi M, Ramm H, Torre CD, Schaller G, Urech K, Weissenstein U, Baumgartner S. Phytochemical analysis and in vitro anti-proliferative activity of Viscum album ethanolic extracts. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020; 20:215. [PMID: 32646417 PMCID: PMC7346636 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-02987-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Viscum album L. (Santalaceae), commonly known as mistletoe, is a hemiparasitic plant traditionally used in complementary cancer treatment. Its antitumor potential is mostly attributed to the presence of aqueous soluble metabolites; however, the use of ethanol as solvent also permits the extraction of pharmacological compounds with antitumor potential. The clinical efficacy of mistletoe therapy inspired the present work, which focuses on ethanolic extracts (V. album “mother tinctures”, MT) prepared from different host trees. Methods Samples from three European subspecies (album, austriacum, and abietis) were harvested, and five different V. album-MT strains were prepared. The following phytochemical analyses were performed: thin layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The proliferation assay was performed with WST-1 after incubation of tumor (Yoshida and Molt-4) and fibroblast cell lines (NIH/3 T3) with different MT concentrations (0.5 to 0.05% v/v). The cell death mechanism was investigated by flow cytometry (FACS) using Annexin V-7AAD. Results Chemical analyses of MT showed the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids and lignans. The MT flavonoid and viscotoxin contents (mg/g fresh weight) were highest in Quercus robur (9.67 ± 0.85 mg/g) and Malus domestica (3.95 ± 0.58 mg/mg), respectively. The viscotoxin isoform proportions (% total) were also different among the VA subspecies with a higher content of A3 in V. album growing on Abies alba (60.57 ± 2.13). The phytochemical compounds as well as the viscotoxin contents are probably related to the antitumor effects of MT. The cell death mechanisms evaluated by colorimetric and FACS methodologies involved necrotic damage, which was host tree-, time- and dose- dependent, with different selectivity to tumor cells. Mother tincture from V. album ssp. abietis was the most effective at inducing in vitro cellular effects, even when incubated at the smallest concentration tested, probably because of the higher content of VT A3. Conclusion Our results indicate the promising antitumor potential of Viscum album ethanolic extracts and the importance of botanical and phytochemical characterization for in vitro anti-proliferative effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Holandino
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. .,Hiscia Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Arlesheim, Switzerland.
| | - Michelle Nonato de Oliveira Melo
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Metabolomics Laboratory, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adriana Passos Oliveira
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - João Vitor da Costa Batista
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael Garrett
- Metabolomics Laboratory, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mirio Grazi
- Hiscia Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Arlesheim, Switzerland
| | - Hartmut Ramm
- Hiscia Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Arlesheim, Switzerland
| | | | - Gerhard Schaller
- Hiscia Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Arlesheim, Switzerland
| | - Konrad Urech
- Hiscia Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Arlesheim, Switzerland
| | | | - Stephan Baumgartner
- Hiscia Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Arlesheim, Switzerland.,Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute for Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
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16
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Rostock M. [Mistletoe in the treatment of cancer patients]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2020; 63:535-540. [PMID: 32211937 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-020-03122-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) continues to be the medical herb prescribed most frequently for cancer patients in German-speaking countries. Demand for this therapy often comes from patients themselves and requires careful consideration by the attending physician during consultation.In German-speaking countries, mistletoe extracts are available as approved drugs (based on monographs of the commissions C and E of the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices). In Switzerland, treatment costs are generally covered by statutory health insurance. In Germany, coverage is limited to palliative care. In adjuvant cases, treating physicians can request coverage by the health insurance if patients suffer from side effects due to the antitumoral treatment.The spectrum of Viscum album extract includes mistletoe lectin I; II, and III, viscotoxins, flavonoids, amino acids, polysaccharides, and membrane lipids. Preclinical studies have demonstrated cytotoxic, apoptosis-inducing, and immunomodulatory effects.Many clinical studies indicate a supportive efficacy of mistletoe extracts in tumor patients, even though methodological quality is discussed controversially in many cases. Clinical data regarding effects on survival of patients is inconsistent; effects concerning quality of life as well as the tolerability of antitumoral treatments are evaluated more positively.In view of the high demand on the patient side and increasing scientific evidence, the general conditions for prescriptions should continue as well as the ongoing scientific evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Rostock
- Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, Universitäres Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH), Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland.
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17
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Longhi A, Cesari M, Serra M, Mariani E. Long-Term Follow-up of a Randomized Study of Oral Etoposide versus Viscum album Fermentatum Pini as Maintenance Therapy in Osteosarcoma Patients in Complete Surgical Remission after Second Relapse. Sarcoma 2020; 2020:8260730. [PMID: 32398946 PMCID: PMC7201820 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8260730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In relapsed osteosarcoma, the 5-yr postrelapse disease-free survival (PRDFS) rate after the second relapse is <20%. In June 2007, a randomized study was started comparing oral etoposide vs Viscum album fermentatum Pini (an extract derived from the parasitic plant Viscum album L., European mistletoe) as maintenance therapy in patients with metastatic osteosarcoma in complete surgical remission after the second relapse. The primary endpoint was the PRDFS rate at 12 months (compared to the historical control rate). This is a long-term updated result. Patients and Methods. 10 patients received oral etoposide 50 mg/m2 daily for 21 days every 28 days for 6 months, and 9 patients received Viscum album fermentatum Pini 3 times/wk subcutaneously for 1 year. The study closed early in July 2011 due to insufficient recruitment. Lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed at T0, T3, T6, T9, and T12 months. RESULTS On 30 June 2019, at a median follow-up ITT of 83 months (range 3-144 ms), a median PRDFS of 106 ms (2-144) was observed in the Viscum arm with 5/9 patients who never relapse vs a PRDFS of 7 months (3-134) in the etoposide arm (all patients in the Etoposide arm relapsed) (hazard ratio HR = 0.287, 95% CI: 0.076-0.884, p=0.03). Model forecast 10-yr overall survival rates as 64% in the Viscum arm and 33% in the etoposide arm. Lymphocyte subpopulation counts (CD3, CD4, and CD56) showed an increase in the Viscum arm while a decrease was observed in the etoposide arm during treatment. CONCLUSIONS After 12 years from the start of the trial, the patients in the Viscum arm continue to show a considerably longer PRDFS compared to oral etoposide, and a trend for an advantage in OS is evident even if the number of treated patients is too small to draw conclusions. Viscum as maintenance treatment after complete surgical remission in relapsed osteosarcoma should be further investigated and compared with other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Longhi
- Chemotherapy Division, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marilena Cesari
- Chemotherapy Division, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Serra
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Erminia Mariani
- Immunoreumathology and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
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Matthes H, Thronicke A, Hofheinz RD, Baars E, Martin D, Huber R, Breitkreuz T, Bar-Sela G, Galun D, Schad F. Statement to an Insufficient Systematic Review on Viscum album L. Therapy. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2020; 2020:7091039. [PMID: 32148549 PMCID: PMC7049420 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7091039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 88% of oncological patients apply complementary therapies and up to 77% apply complementary mistletoe therapy in the context of integrative oncological approaches. An evidence-based consultation of oncological health professionals regarding complementary therapies used in Germany is missing. Therefore, a new S3-Guideline for Complementary Medicine in the Treatment of Oncological Patients is under development and is anticipated to be finalized in November 2020. It will be based on evidence-based publications and systematic reviews on complementary therapies in oncology. A recently published two-part systematic review on mistletoe treatment in oncology has been reevaluated. METHODS The latest published systematic two-part review on mistletoe has been systematically proofread and checked in compliance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention and the AMSTAR 2 (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) tool. RESULTS The here discussed two-part review is incomplete, lacks sound accuracy including insufficient assessment of the risk of bias, and contains imprecise statements. In addition, it does not sufficiently comply with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention and the AMSTAR 2 tool. CONCLUSION In view of the approaching release of a new guideline in the field of complementary therapies in oncology, the present statement draws attention to a lack of profound methodology of conductance of a recently released systematic review on mistletoe. In consequence, a comprehensive overview of published mistletoe studies, i.e., a meta-analysis with a sound methodology of conductance, is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Matthes
- Oncological Centre, Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics and Medical Department of Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Research Institute Havelhöhe, Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Thronicke
- Research Institute Havelhöhe, Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf-Dieter Hofheinz
- Interdisciplinary Tumour Centre Mannheim, University Medicine of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Erik Baars
- Louis Bolk Institute, Bunnik, Netherlands
| | - David Martin
- Gerhard Kienle Chair for Medical Theory, Integrative and Anthroposophical Medicine, Department of Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten/Herdecke, Germany
| | - Roman Huber
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Institute for Infection, Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology, University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Breitkreuz
- Hospital Filderklinik, Stuttgart, Germany
- Hospital Paracelsus Krankenhaus, Bad Liebenzell, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Galun
- Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade and Medical School, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Friedemann Schad
- Oncological Centre, Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
- Research Institute Havelhöhe, Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Oncology and Palliative Care, Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
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Ostermann T, Appelbaum S, Poier D, Boehm K, Raak C, Büssing A. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Survival of Cancer Patients Treated with a Fermented Viscum album L. Extract (Iscador): An Update of Findings. Complement Med Res 2020; 27:260-271. [PMID: 31927541 DOI: 10.1159/000505202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed at updating the evidence found in controlled studies addressing general and event-free survival of cancer patients treated with the fermented mistletoe extract Iscador. METHODS The databases Embase, PubMed, CAMbase, Scopus, AMED and Cochrane were searched for clinical studies on cancer patients treated with Iscador. Quality of studies and risk of bias were evaluated according to the Cochrane guidelines and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Outcome data were expressed as hazard ratios (HR) and the respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). Meta-analysis was carried out using a random-effects model. RESULTS Eighty-two controlled studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 32 with 55 strata provided data for extracting HR and CI. The overall HR was 0.59 (95% CI: [0.53; 0.65], p < 0.0001) in favour of Iscador treatment. Heterogeneity of study results was moderate (I2 = 50.9%; p < 0.0001, τ2 = 0.053). Meta-regression did not reveal significant effects of sample size or study design. However, significant differences were found between cancer entities (p < 0.01), with most pronounced effects in cervical (HR = 0.43) and less pronounced effects in lung cancer (HR = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS We found almost identical effects on cancer survival based on a broader database of higher quality. However, none of the studies was blinded and, therefore, there might be risk of performance bias. Implications for cancer survivors are as follows: findings indicate that adjuvant treatment of cancer patients with Iscador can be associated with a better survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ostermann
- Chair of Research Methodology and Statistics, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Sebastian Appelbaum
- Chair of Research Methodology and Statistics, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Désirée Poier
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Herdecke, Germany
| | - Katja Boehm
- Chair of Research Methodology and Statistics, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Christa Raak
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Herdecke, Germany
| | - Arndt Büssing
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Herdecke, Germany,
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Huebner J, Freuding M, Keinki C, Micke O, Buentzel J. Answer to the letter to the editors by Matthes and colleagues regarding our systematic reviews on mistletoe. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2019; 145:2409-2410. [PMID: 31302756 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-019-02979-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jutta Huebner
- Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
| | - M Freuding
- Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - C Keinki
- Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - O Micke
- Klinik für Strahlentherapie und Radioonkologie, Franziskus Hospital, Kiskerstraße 26, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - J Buentzel
- Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Südharzklinikum Nordhausen, Dr.-Robert-Koch-Straße 39, 99734, Nordhausen, Germany
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Mistletoe-Based Drugs Work in Synergy with Radio-Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Glioma In Vitro and In Vivo in Glioblastoma Bearing Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:1376140. [PMID: 31354846 PMCID: PMC6636536 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1376140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Extracts from Viscum album L. (VE) are used in the complementary cancer therapy in Europe for decades. VE contain several compounds like the mistletoe lectins (MLs) 1-3 and viscotoxins and also several minor ingredients. Since mistletoe lectin 1 (ML-1) has been described as the main component of VE harboring antitumor activity, purified native or recombinant ML-1 has been recently used in clinical trials. MLs stimulate the immune system, induce cytotoxicity, are able to modify the expression of cancer-associated genes, and influence the proliferation and motility of tumor cells. Objective In this study our goal was to determine anticancer effects of the VE ISCADOR Qu, of recombinant ML-1 (Aviscumine), and of native ML-1 in the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and highly malignant brain tumor in adults. Additionally we were interested whether these drugs, used in combination with a temozolomide-(TMZ)-based radio-chemotherapy, provide synergistic effects. Methods Cell culture assays, ex vivo murine hippocampal brain slice cultures, human GBM cryosections, and a xenograft orthotopic glioblastoma mouse model were used. Results In cells, the expression of the ML receptor CD75s, which is also expressed in GBM specimen, but not in normal brain, correlates with the drug-induced cytotoxicity. In GBM cells, the drugs induce cell death in a concentration-dependent manner and reduce cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. The cell cycle arrest was paralleled by modifications in the expression of cell cycle regulating genes. ML containing drugs, if combined with glioma standard therapy, provide synergistic and additive anticancer effects. Despite not reaching statistical significance, a single intratumoral application of Aviscumine prolonged the median survival of GBM mice longer than tumor irradiation. Moreover, intratumorally applied Aviscumine prolonged the survival of GBM-bearing mice if used in combination with irradiation and TMZ for further 6.5 days compared to the radio-chemotherapy. Conclusion Our results suggest that an adjuvant treatment of glioma patients with ML-containing drugs might be beneficial.
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Mistletoe extract Fraxini inhibits the proliferation of liver cancer by down-regulating c-Myc expression. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6428. [PMID: 31015523 PMCID: PMC6478697 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41444-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Mistletoe (Viscum album) is a type of parasitic plant reported to have anticancer activity including in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanism of mistletoe’s anticancer activity, and its effectiveness in treating HCC are not fully understood. We report here that mistletoe extracts, including Fraxini (grown on ash trees) and Iscador Q and M (grown on oak and maple trees), exert strong antiproliferative activity in Hep3B cells, with median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 0.5 µg/mL, 7.49 µg/mL, and 7.51 µg/mL, respectively. Results of Reversed Phase Proteomic Array analysis (RPPA) suggests that Fraxini substantially down-regulates c-Myc expression in Hep3B cells. Fraxini-induced growth inhibition (at a concentration of 1.25 μg/ml) was less pronounced in c-Myc knockdown Hep3B cells than in control cells. Furthermore, in the Hep3B xenograft model, Fraxini-treated (8 mg/kg body weight) mice had significantly smaller tumors (34.6 ± 11.9 mm3) than control mice (161.6 ± 79.4 mm3, p < 0.036). Similarly, c-Myc protein expression was reduced in Fraxini treated Hep3B cell xenografts compared to that of control mice. The reduction of c-Myc protein levels in vitro Hep3B cells appears to be mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Our results suggest the importance of c-Myc in Fraxini’s antiproliferative activity, which warrants further investigation.
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Hwang WY, Kang MH, Lee SK, Yeom JS, Jung MH. Prolonged stabilization of platinum-refractory ovarian cancer in a single patient undergoing long-term Mistletoe extract treatment: Case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e14536. [PMID: 30813160 PMCID: PMC6407985 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000014536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Advanced ovarian malignancies are associated with poor overall survival; thus, patients often turn to alternative treatments, despite the controversy surrounding their use. Mistletoe extract has been commonly used as complementary medicine to treat patients with cancer for several decades, and has proven benefits in integrative oncology. PATIENT CONCERNS A 47-year-old woman with stage IVB ovarian cancer who underwent optimal surgical cytoreduction, but whose disease persisted after adjuvant platinum-based combination chemotherapy and 2nd-line chemotherapy. DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTIONS The patient discontinued chemotherapy due to her septic condition and acute kidney injury accompanied by acute pyelonephritis, and opted for adjuvant treatment with mistletoe extract. OUTCOMES The patient has achieved good health without progression of cancer or ascites over the 42 months since the 1st diagnosis and 24 months since the last relapse. LESSIONS Our case suggests that mistletoe extract can produce favorable outcomes in patients with platinum-refractory ovarian cancer.
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Freuding M, Keinki C, Micke O, Buentzel J, Huebner J. Mistletoe in oncological treatment: a systematic review : Part 1: survival and safety. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2019; 145:695-707. [PMID: 30673873 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-018-02837-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mistletoe treatment of cancer patients is discussed highly controversial in the scientific literature. Aim of this systematic review is to give an extensive overview about current state of research concerning mistletoe therapy of oncologic patients regarding survival, quality of life and safety. METHODS In September and October 2017 Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsycINFO, CINAHL and "Science Citation Index Expanded" (Web of Science) were systematically searched. RESULTS The search strategy identified 3647 hits and 28 publications with 2639 patients were finally included in this review. Mistletoe was used in bladder cancer, breast cancer, other gynecological cancers (cervical cancer, corpus uteri cancer, and ovarian cancer), colorectal cancer, other gastrointestinal cancer (gastric cancer and pancreatic cancer), glioma, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, melanoma and osteosarcoma. In nearly all studies, mistletoe was added to a conventional therapy. Patient relevant endpoints were overall survival (14 studies, n = 1054), progression- or disease-free survival or tumor response (10 studies, n = 1091). Most studies did not show any effect of mistletoe on survival. Especially high quality studies do not show any benefit. CONCLUSIONS With respect to survival, a thorough review of the literature does not provide any indication to prescribe mistletoe to patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Freuding
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - C Keinki
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - O Micke
- Klinik für Strahlentherapie und Radioonkologie, Franziskus Hospital, Kiskerstraße 26, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - J Buentzel
- Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Südharzklinikum Nordhausen, Dr.-Robert-Koch-Straße 39, 99734, Nordhausen, Germany
| | - Jutta Huebner
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
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Adjuvant Therapy Using Mistletoe Containing Drugs Boosts the T-Cell-Mediated Killing of Glioma Cells and Prolongs the Survival of Glioma Bearing Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:3928572. [PMID: 30224928 PMCID: PMC6129785 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3928572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Viscum album L. extracts (VE) are applied as complementary cancer therapeutics for more than one century. Extracts contain several compounds like mistletoe lectins (ML) 1-3 and viscotoxins, but also several minor ingredients. Since ML-1 has been described as one of the main active components harboring antitumor activity, purified native or recombinant ML-1 has been also used in clinical trials in the last years. The present study examined and compared the immunoboosting effects of three ML-1 containing drugs (the extract ISCADOR Qu, the recombinant ML-1 Aviscumine, and purified native ML-1) in the context of the T-cell mediated killing of glioma cells. Additionally we examined the possible underlying T-cell stimulating mechanisms. Using cocultures of immune and glioma cells, a PCR-based microarray, quantitative RT-PCR, and an antibody-based array to measure cytokines in blood serum, immunosupporting effects were determined. A highly aggressive, orthotopic, immunocompetent syngeneic mouse glioma model was used to determine the survival of mice treated with ISCADOR Qu alone or in combination with tumor irradiation and temozolomide (TMZ). Treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) cells with ISCADOR Qu that contains a high ML concentration, but also viscotoxins and other compounds, as well as with Aviscumine or native ML-1, enhanced the expansion of cancer cell-specific T-cells as well as T-cell-mediated tumor cell lysis, but to a different degree. In GBM cells all three ML-1-containing preparations modulated the expression of immune response associated genes. In vivo, subcutaneous ISCADOR Qu injections at increasing concentration induced cytokine release in immunocompetent VM/Dk-mice. Finally, ISCADOR Qu, if applied in combination with tumor irradiation and TMZ, further prolonged the survival of glioma mice. Our findings indicate that ML-1 containing drugs enhance anti-GBM immune responses and work in synergy with radiochemotherapy. Therefore, adjuvant mistletoe therapy should be considered as an auspicious treatment option for glioma patients.
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Schad F, Thronicke A, Steele ML, Merkle A, Matthes B, Grah C, Matthes H. Overall survival of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with Viscum album L. in addition to chemotherapy, a real-world observational multicenter analysis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203058. [PMID: 30148853 PMCID: PMC6110500 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with a five-year survival rate of around 1%. Treatment with Viscum album L. (VA) extracts has been shown to reduce chemotherapy (CTx)-related adverse events, decrease CTx dose reductions and improve quality of life in a number of cancers. Recent data suggest a beneficial effect of add-on treatment with Viscum album L. (VA, European mistletoe) on survival in cancer patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of VA in addition to chemotherapy on survival in stage IV NSCLC patients. Methods The observational study was conducted using data from the Network Oncology clinical registry which is an accredited conjoint clinical registry of German oncological hospitals, practitioners and out-patient centers.Patients were included if they had stage IV NSCLC at diagnosis, lived at least for four weeks post-diagnosis and received chemotherapeutic treatment. Patients with EGFR mutations as well as patients receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitors or immune checkpoint inhibitors were not included. Overall survival and impact on hazard in patients with chemotherapy (CTx) to patients receiving CTx plus VA were compared. To identify factors associated with survival and to address potential sources of bias a multivariate analyses using Cox proportional hazard model was performed. Results The median age of the population was 64.1 years with 55.7% male patients. The highest proportion of patients had adenocarcinoma (72.2%) and most of the patients were current or past smokers (70.9%). Of 158 stage IV NSCLC patients, 108 received CTx only and 50 additional VA. Median survival was 17.0 months in the CTx plus VA group (95%CI: 11.0–40.0) and was 8.0 months (95%CI: 7.0–11.0) in the CTx only group (χ2 = 7.2, p = .007). Overall survival was significantly prolonged in the VA group (HR 0.44, 95%CI: 0.26–0.74, p = .002). One-year and three-year overall survival rates were greater with CTx plus VA compared to CTX alone (1y: 60.2% vs. 35.5%; 3y: 25.7% vs. 14.2%). Conclusion Our findings suggest that concomitant VA is positively associated with survival in stage IV NSCLC patients treated with standard CTx. These findings complement pre-existing knowldedge of add-on VA’s clinical impact, however, results should be interpreted with caution in light of the study’s observational character.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friedemann Schad
- Research Institute Havelhöhe, Hospital Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Oncology and Palliative Care, Hospital Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Anja Thronicke
- Research Institute Havelhöhe, Hospital Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
| | - Megan L. Steele
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Antje Merkle
- Research Institute Havelhöhe, Hospital Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Oncology and Palliative Care, Hospital Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burkhard Matthes
- Research Institute Havelhöhe, Hospital Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Oncology and Palliative Care, Hospital Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Grah
- Research Institute Havelhöhe, Hospital Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
- Lung Cancer Center and Department of Pneumology, Hospital Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
| | - Harald Matthes
- Research Institute Havelhöhe, Hospital Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
- Medical Clinic for Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology CBF and Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics CCM, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Schad F, Thronicke A, Merkle A, Steele ML, Kröz M, Herbstreit C, Matthes H. Implementation of an Integrative Oncological Concept in the Daily Care of a German Certified Breast Cancer Center. Complement Med Res 2018; 25:85-91. [PMID: 29510405 DOI: 10.1159/000478655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent decades the concept of integrative medicine has attracted growing interest in patients and professionals. At the Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe (GKH), a hospital specialized in anthroposophical medicine, a breast cancer center (BCC) has been successfully certified for more than 5 years. The objective of the present study was to analyze how integrative strategies were implemented in the daily care of primary breast cancer patients. METHODS Clinical, demographic, and follow-up data as well as information on non-pharmacological interventions were analyzed. In addition, BCC quality measures were compared with data of the National Breast Cancer Benchmarking Report 2016. RESULTS Between 2011 and 2016, 741 primary breast cancer patients (median age 57.4 years) were treated at the GKH BCC. 91.5% of the patients showed Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) stage 0, I, II, or III and 8.2% were in UICC stage IV. 97% of the patients underwent surgery, 53% radiation, 38% had hormone therapy, and 25% received cytostatic drugs. 96% of the patients received non-pharmacological interventions and 32% received Viscum album L. THERAPY Follow-up was performed in up to 93% of the patients 2 years after first diagnosis. Compared to nationwide benchmarking BCCs, the GKH BCC met the requirements in central items. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study show that integrative therapies offered by the concept of anthroposophical medicine can be implemented in the daily care and treatment of a certified BCC. However, as national guidelines on integrative concepts in oncology are missing, further studies are needed for a systematic evaluation of integrative treatment and care concepts in this field.
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Thronicke A, Steele ML, Grah C, Matthes B, Schad F. Clinical safety of combined therapy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and Viscum album L. therapy in patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:534. [PMID: 29237435 PMCID: PMC5729272 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-2045-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite improvement of tumour response rates in patients with progressive and metastatic cancer, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICM) induce toxicities in cancer patients. Viscum album L. (VA, mistletoe) extracts are applied as add-on cancer therapy especially in German speaking countries and within integrative and anthroposophical concepts with the goal to improve quality of life. The primary objective of this pilot observational cohort study was to determine the rate of adverse events (AE) related to ICM therapy with and without VA in patients with advanced or metastatic cancer in a certified Cancer Center. METHODS ICM or combined ICM/VA therapies were applied in patients with progressive or metastatic cancer. AE rates of both therapy groups were compared. RESULTS A total of sixteen cancer patients were treated with ICM: nivolumab (75%), ipilimumab (19%) or pembrolizumab (6%). The median age of the study population was 64 years (IQR 57.8; 69.3); 44% were male. Of the sixteen patients receiving ICM, nine patients received additional VA (56%; ICM/VA group) and seven did not (44%; ICM group). No statistically significant differences were seen between groups with respect to AE-rates (67% ICM/VA versus 71% ICM). Adjusted multivariate regression analysis revealed that concomitant application of VA did not alter the AE rate in ICM treated patients. 85% of AEs were expected ICM reactions. No AEs of grade 3 or greater were documented for the total study cohort. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study evaluating the clinical safety profile of ICM in combination with VA in patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. The overall AE rate of the study cohort is comparable to AE rates of ICM treatment in the literature. Our data indicate a first impression that concomitant VA application may not alter ICM-induced AE rates. However, the nature of this study does not allow excluding possible immunological interactions between ICM and VA. Further prospective trials in larger study cohorts should focus on the assessment of safety aspects, clinical efficacy and health related quality of life in patients with combined ICM/VA therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION DRKS00013335 , retrospectively registered (November 27th, 2017) at the German Clinical Trials Register ( www.drks.de ).
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Proteomic fingerprinting of mistletoe ( Viscum album L.) via combinatorial peptide ligand libraries and mass spectrometry analysis. J Proteomics 2017; 164:52-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Greenlee H, DuPont-Reyes MJ, Balneaves LG, Carlson LE, Cohen MR, Deng G, Johnson JA, Mumber M, Seely D, Zick SM, Boyce LM, Tripathy D. Clinical practice guidelines on the evidence-based use of integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment. CA Cancer J Clin 2017; 67:194-232. [PMID: 28436999 PMCID: PMC5892208 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 417] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Answer questions and earn CME/CNE Patients with breast cancer commonly use complementary and integrative therapies as supportive care during cancer treatment and to manage treatment-related side effects. However, evidence supporting the use of such therapies in the oncology setting is limited. This report provides updated clinical practice guidelines from the Society for Integrative Oncology on the use of integrative therapies for specific clinical indications during and after breast cancer treatment, including anxiety/stress, depression/mood disorders, fatigue, quality of life/physical functioning, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, lymphedema, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, pain, and sleep disturbance. Clinical practice guidelines are based on a systematic literature review from 1990 through 2015. Music therapy, meditation, stress management, and yoga are recommended for anxiety/stress reduction. Meditation, relaxation, yoga, massage, and music therapy are recommended for depression/mood disorders. Meditation and yoga are recommended to improve quality of life. Acupressure and acupuncture are recommended for reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Acetyl-L-carnitine is not recommended to prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy due to a possibility of harm. No strong evidence supports the use of ingested dietary supplements to manage breast cancer treatment-related side effects. In summary, there is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of integrative therapies, especially mind-body therapies, as effective supportive care strategies during breast cancer treatment. Many integrative practices, however, remain understudied, with insufficient evidence to be definitively recommended or avoided. CA Cancer J Clin 2017;67:194-232. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Greenlee
- Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Member, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Melissa J DuPont-Reyes
- Doctoral Fellow, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Lynda G Balneaves
- Associate Professor, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Linda E Carlson
- Professor, Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Misha R Cohen
- Adjunct Professor, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine at California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA
- Clinic Director, Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine, San Francisco, CA
| | - Gary Deng
- Medical Director, Integrative Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Jillian A Johnson
- Post-Doctoral Scholar, Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | | | - Dugald Seely
- Executive Director, Ottawa Integrative Cancer Center, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Executive Director of Research, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Suzanna M Zick
- Research Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Research Associate Professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lindsay M Boyce
- Research Informationist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Library, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Debu Tripathy
- Professor, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Abreu P, Sánchez R, Mut T, Balaguer D, Latorre I, Rodríguez H. Homeopathic mistletoe adverse reaction mimics nodal involvement in 18 F-FDG PET/CT performed for evaluation of response to chemotherapy in lymphoma. Rev Esp Med Nucl Imagen Mol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.remnie.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Harati K, Behr B, Daigeler A, Hirsch T, Jacobsen F, Renner M, Harati A, Wallner C, Lehnhardt M, Becerikli M. Curcumin and Viscum album Extract Decrease Proliferation and Cell Viability of Soft-Tissue Sarcoma Cells: An In Vitro Analysis of Eight Cell Lines Using Real-Time Monitoring and Colorimetric Assays. Nutr Cancer 2017; 69:340-351. [PMID: 28045549 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2017.1263349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cytostatic effects of the polyphenol curcumin and Viscum album extract (VAE) were assessed in soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) cells. METHODS Eight human STS cell lines were used: fibrosarcoma (HT1080), liposarcoma (SW872, T778, MLS-402), synovial sarcoma (SW982, SYO1, 1273), and malignant fibrous histiocytoma (U2197). Primary human fibroblasts served as control cells. Cell proliferation, viability, and cell index (CI) were analyzed by BrdU assay, MTT assay, and real-time cell analysis (RTCA). RESULTS As indicated by BrdU and MTT, curcumin significantly decreased the cell proliferation of five cell lines (HT1080, SW872, SYO1, 1273, and U2197) and the viability of two cell lines (SW872 and SW982). VAE led to significant decreases of proliferation in eight cell lines (HT1080, SW872, T778, MLS-402, SW982, SYO1, 1293, and U2197) and reduced viability in seven STS lines (HT1080, SW872, T778, MLS-402, SW982, SYO1, and 1273). As indicated by RTCA for 160 h, curcumin decreased the CI of all synovial sarcoma cell lines as well as T778 and HT1080. VAE diminished the CI in most of the synovial sarcoma (SW982, SYO1) and liposarcoma (SW872, T778) cell lines as well as HT1080. Primary fibroblasts were not affected adversely by the two compounds in RTCA. CONCLUSION Curcumin and VAE can inhibit the proliferation and viability of STS cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Harati
- a Department of Plastic Surgery , Burn Center, Hand Center, Sarcoma Reference Center, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil Bochum , Bochum , Germany
| | - B Behr
- a Department of Plastic Surgery , Burn Center, Hand Center, Sarcoma Reference Center, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil Bochum , Bochum , Germany
| | - A Daigeler
- a Department of Plastic Surgery , Burn Center, Hand Center, Sarcoma Reference Center, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil Bochum , Bochum , Germany
| | - T Hirsch
- a Department of Plastic Surgery , Burn Center, Hand Center, Sarcoma Reference Center, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil Bochum , Bochum , Germany
| | - F Jacobsen
- a Department of Plastic Surgery , Burn Center, Hand Center, Sarcoma Reference Center, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil Bochum , Bochum , Germany
| | - M Renner
- b Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - A Harati
- c Department of Neurosurgery , Klinikum Dortmund , Dortmund , Germany
| | - C Wallner
- a Department of Plastic Surgery , Burn Center, Hand Center, Sarcoma Reference Center, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil Bochum , Bochum , Germany
| | - M Lehnhardt
- a Department of Plastic Surgery , Burn Center, Hand Center, Sarcoma Reference Center, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil Bochum , Bochum , Germany
| | - M Becerikli
- a Department of Plastic Surgery , Burn Center, Hand Center, Sarcoma Reference Center, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil Bochum , Bochum , Germany
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Schötterl S, Hübner M, Armento A, Veninga V, Wirsik NM, Bernatz S, Lentzen H, Mittelbronn M, Naumann U. Viscumins functionally modulate cell motility-associated gene expression. Int J Oncol 2017; 50:684-696. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.3838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Plants Producing Ribosome-Inactivating Proteins in Traditional Medicine. Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21111560. [PMID: 27869738 PMCID: PMC6273415 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21111560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are enzymes that deadenylate nucleic acids and are broadly distributed in the plant kingdom. Many plants that contain RIPs are listed in the pharmacopoeias of folk medicine all over the world, mostly because of their toxicity. This review analyses the position occupied in traditional medicine by plants from which RIPs have been isolated. The overview starts from the antique age of the Mediterranean area with ancient Egypt, followed by the Greek and Roman classic period. Then, the ancient oriental civilizations of China and India are evaluated. More recently, Unani medicine and European folk medicine are examined. Finally, the African and American folk medicines are taken into consideration. In conclusion, a list of RIP-expressing plants, which have been used in folk medicine, is provided with the geographical distribution and the prescriptions that are recommended by traditional healers. Some final considerations are provided on the present utilization of such herbal treatments, both in developing and developed countries, often in the absence of scientific validation. The most promising prospect for the medicinal use of RIP-expressing plants is the conjugation of purified RIPs to antibodies that recognise tumour antigens for cancer therapy.
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Homeopathic mistletoe adverse reaction mimics nodal involvement in 18F-FDG PET/CT performed for evaluation of response to chemotherapy in lymphoma. Rev Esp Med Nucl Imagen Mol 2016; 36:110-112. [PMID: 27637868 DOI: 10.1016/j.remn.2016.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Some patients use complementary medicine. We present a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma, scanned with 18F-FDG PET/CT for evaluation of response after chemotherapy, who was self-administering mistletoe as a homeopathic medicine product. The careful review of the images of the entire scan and patient collaboration in anamnesis were crucial to avoid a false positive result. A review of the published scientific data on the effects of mistletoe is also presented.
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Lim YC, Rajabalaya R, Lee SHF, Tennakoon KU, Le QV, Idris A, Zulkipli IN, Keasberry N, David SR. Parasitic Mistletoes of the Genera Scurrula and Viscum: From Bench to Bedside. Molecules 2016; 21:E1048. [PMID: 27548121 PMCID: PMC6273404 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21081048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Revised: 07/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The mistletoes, stem hemiparasites of Asia and Europe, have been used as medicinal herbs for many years and possess sophisticated systems to obtain nutrients from their host plants. Although knowledge about ethnomedicinal uses of mistletoes is prevalent in Asia, systematic scientific study of these plants is still lacking, unlike its European counterparts. This review aims to evaluate the literature on Scurrula and Viscum mistletoes. Both mistletoes were found to have anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antihypertensive properties. Plants from the genus Scurrula were found to inhibit cancer growth due to presence of phytoconstituents such as quercetin and fatty acid chains. Similar to plants from the genus Viscum, Scurrula also possesses TNFα activity to strengthen the immune system to combat cancer. In line with its anticancer activity, both mistletoes are rich in antioxidants that confer protection against cancer as well as neurodegeneration. Extracts from plants of both genera showed evidence of vasodilation and thus, antihypertensive effects. Other therapeutic effects such as weight loss, postpartum and gastrointestinal healing from different plants of the genus Scurrula are documented. As the therapeutic effects of plants from Scurrula are still in exploration stage, there is currently no known clinical trial on these plants. However, there are few on-going clinical trials for Viscum album that demonstrate the functionalities of these mistletoes. Future work required for exploring the benefits of these plants and ways to develop both parasitic plants as a source of pharmacological drug are explained in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Chee Lim
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
| | - Rajan Rajabalaya
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
| | - Shirley Huan Fang Lee
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
| | - Kushan U Tennakoon
- Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
| | - Quang-Vuong Le
- Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
- Biology Faculty, Vinh University, 182 Le Duan, 470000 Vinh City, Nghe An Province, Vietnam.
| | - Adi Idris
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
| | - Ihsan N Zulkipli
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
| | - Natasha Keasberry
- Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
| | - Sheba R David
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
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Weissenstein U, Kunz M, Urech K, Regueiro U, Baumgartner S. Interaction of a standardized mistletoe (Viscum album) preparation with antitumor effects of Trastuzumab in vitro. Altern Ther Health Med 2016; 16:271. [PMID: 27491866 PMCID: PMC4973521 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1246-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Besides conventional anticancer therapy many breast cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) like the medicinal herb mistletoe (Viscum album L.). To gain more knowledge about possible herb-drug interactions between CAM and conventional anticancer medications, in the present in vitro study we investigated the effect of a standardized mistletoe preparation on the action of Trastuzumab, a drug used for the treatment of Her-2 positive breast cancer. Methods The Her-2 positive human breast carcinoma cell line SK-BR-3 was treated with Trastuzumab. Different doses of the drug were combined with Viscum album extract (VAE) in clinically relevant doses. Proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were analyzed. Results No inhibition of antitumor efficacy of Trastuzumab by VAE was detected. VAE and Trastuzumab, either alone or in combination, inhibited proliferation of SK-BR-3 cells in vitro. At higher concentrations VAE induced apoptosis, which was not observed for Trastuzumab. Cells treated with Trastuzumab underwent a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and cells treated with VAE a G2/M arrest. After application of the two drugs in combination both G0/G1 and G2/M arrest was observed. VEGF secretion of SK-BR-3 cells was significantly inhibited by sole treatment with Trastuzumab or VAE. Combined treatment of Trastuzumab and VAE at clinically relevant doses showed additive inhibitory effects on VEGF secretion. Conclusions VAE did not interfere with cytostatic effects of Trastuzumab on SK-BR-3 cells in vitro. Our in vitro results suggest that no risk of safety by herb drug interactions has to be expected from the exposition of cancer cells to Trastuzumab and VAE simultaneously. In contrast, VAE and Trastuzumab seem to exhibit complementary anti-cancer effects in vitro.
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Axtner J, Steele M, Kröz M, Spahn G, Matthes H, Schad F. Health services research of integrative oncology in palliative care of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:579. [PMID: 27485618 PMCID: PMC4971628 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2594-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer has a dire prognosis and is associated with a high mortality. Palliative patients have special needs and often seek help in integrative oncological concepts (IO) that combine conventional and complementary therapies. Nevertheless there are few recommendations regarding IO in current cancer guidelines. The aims of this study were to report on implementation of IO in everyday palliative care and to analyze patient survival in advanced pancreatic cancer. METHODS This multicenter observational study investigates the implementation of IO and length of survival of patients suffering from advanced pancreatic cancer (stage IV). We analyzed patient's survival by employing multivariable proportional hazard models using different parametric distribution functions and compared patients receiving chemotherapy only, a combination of chemotherapy and Viscum album (VA) treatment, and VA treatment only. RESULTS Records of 240 patients were analyzed. Complementary therapy showed high acceptance (93 %). Most frequent therapy was VA treatment (74 %) that was often administered concomitantly to chemotherapy (64 %). Both therapies had positive effects on patient survival as they had significant negative effects on the hazard in our log-normal model. A second analysis showed that patients with combined chemotherapy and VA therapy performed significantly better than patients receiving only chemotherapy (12.1 to 7.3 month). Patients receiving only VA therapy showed longer survival than those receiving neither chemotherapy nor VA therapy (5.4 to 2.5 months). Our data demonstrates that IO can be implemented in the everyday care of patients without disregarding conventional treatment. Patients combining VA with chemotherapy showed longest survival. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate the importance and potential of health services research showing that IO treatment can be successfully implemented in the every-day care of patients suffering from advanced pancreatic cancer. Patients combining VA with chemotherapy showed longest survival. To address patients' needs adequately, future cancer guidelines might increasingly include comments on complementary treatment options in addition to conventional therapies. Further studies should investigate the effect of complementary treatments on survival and quality of life in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Axtner
- Forschungsinstitut Havelhöhe gGmbH, Kladower Damm 221, 14089, Berlin, Germany
| | - Megan Steele
- Forschungsinstitut Havelhöhe gGmbH, Kladower Damm 221, 14089, Berlin, Germany.,ihop Research Group, Queensland University of Technology, School of Public Health and Social Work, Victoria Park Road, 4059, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Matthias Kröz
- Forschungsinstitut Havelhöhe gGmbH, Kladower Damm 221, 14089, Berlin, Germany.,Krankenhaus Havelhöhe, Kladower Damm 221, 14089, Berlin, Germany
| | - Günther Spahn
- Institut für Integrative Krebstherapie, Hans-Böckler-Str. 7, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Harald Matthes
- Forschungsinstitut Havelhöhe gGmbH, Kladower Damm 221, 14089, Berlin, Germany.,Krankenhaus Havelhöhe, Kladower Damm 221, 14089, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Schad
- Forschungsinstitut Havelhöhe gGmbH, Kladower Damm 221, 14089, Berlin, Germany. .,Krankenhaus Havelhöhe, Kladower Damm 221, 14089, Berlin, Germany.
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Singh BN, Saha C, Galun D, Upreti DK, Bayry J, Kaveri SV. European Viscum album: a potent phytotherapeutic agent with multifarious phytochemicals, pharmacological properties and clinical evidence. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra27381a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Viscum albumL. or European mistletoe (Loranthaceae), a semi-parasitic shrub, has been used as a traditional medicine in Europe for centuries to treat various diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disorder, epilepsy, infertility, hypertension and arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brahma N. Singh
- Pharmacognosy & Ethnopharmacology Division
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute
- Lucknow-226 001
- India
| | - Chaitrali Saha
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 1138
- Paris
- France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers
- Equipe – Immunopathologie et immuno-intervention thérapeutique
| | - Danijel Galun
- Clinic for Digestive Surgery
- Clinical Centre of Serbia
- Belgrade
- Serbia
- Medical School
| | - Dalip K. Upreti
- Lichenology Division
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute
- Lucknow-226 001
- India
| | - Jagadeesh Bayry
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 1138
- Paris
- France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers
- Equipe – Immunopathologie et immuno-intervention thérapeutique
| | - Srini V. Kaveri
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 1138
- Paris
- France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers
- Equipe – Immunopathologie et immuno-intervention thérapeutique
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Srdic-Rajic T, Tisma-Miletic N, Cavic M, Kanjer K, Savikin K, Galun D, Konic-Ristic A, Zoranovic T. Sensitization of K562 Leukemia Cells to Doxorubicin by theViscum albumExtract. Phytother Res 2015; 30:485-95. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Srdic-Rajic
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology; Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia; Belgrade Serbia
| | - Nevena Tisma-Miletic
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology; Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia; Belgrade Serbia
| | - Milena Cavic
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology; Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia; Belgrade Serbia
| | - Ksenija Kanjer
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology; Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia; Belgrade Serbia
| | - Katarina Savikin
- Institute for Medicinal Plant Research ‘Dr Josif Pančić’; Belgrade Serbia
| | - Danijel Galun
- University Clinic for Digestive Surgery; Clinical center Serbia; Belgrade Serbia
- Belgrade University Medical School; Belgrade Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Konic-Ristic
- Institute for Medical Research, Center of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism; Belgrade University; Belgrade Serbia
| | - Tamara Zoranovic
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology; Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia; Belgrade Serbia
- Max Plank Institute for Infection Biology; Berlin Germany
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Marvibaigi M, Supriyanto E, Amini N, Abdul Majid FA, Jaganathan SK. Preclinical and clinical effects of mistletoe against breast cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:785479. [PMID: 25136622 PMCID: PMC4127267 DOI: 10.1155/2014/785479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is among the most frequent types of cancer in women worldwide. Current conventional treatment options are accompanied by side effects. Mistletoe is amongst the important herbal medicines traditionally used as complementary remedies. An increasing number of studies have reported anticancer activity of mistletoe extracts on breast cancer cells and animal models. Some recent evidence suggests that cytotoxic activity of mistletoe may be mediated through different mechanisms. These findings provide a good base for clinical trials. Various studies on mistletoe therapy for breast cancer patients revealed similar findings concerning possible benefits on survival time, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), remission rate, and alleviating adverse reactions to conventional therapy. This review provides an overview of the recent findings on preclinical experiments and clinical trials of mistletoe for its cytotoxic and antitumor activity and its effect on HRQoL in breast cancer patients. Moreover, studies investigating molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying antitumor activity of mistletoe are discussed in this paper. The analyzed trials provided evidence that there might be a combination of pharmacological and motivational aspects mediated by the mistletoe extract application which may contribute to the clinical benefit and positive outcome such as improved HRQoL and self-regulation in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Marvibaigi
- IJN-UTM Cardiovascular Engineering Center, Faculty of Biosciences and Medical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Eko Supriyanto
- IJN-UTM Cardiovascular Engineering Center, Faculty of Biosciences and Medical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Neda Amini
- IJN-UTM Cardiovascular Engineering Center, Faculty of Biosciences and Medical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Fadzilah Adibah Abdul Majid
- Bioprocess Engineering Department, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Saravana Kumar Jaganathan
- IJN-UTM Cardiovascular Engineering Center, Faculty of Biosciences and Medical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
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Evaluation of Preclinical Assays to Investigate an Anthroposophic Pharmaceutical Process Applied to Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) Extracts. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:620974. [PMID: 24876872 PMCID: PMC4024402 DOI: 10.1155/2014/620974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Extracts from European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) developed in anthroposophic medicine are based on specific pharmaceutical procedures to enhance remedy efficacy. One such anthroposophic pharmaceutical process was evaluated regarding effects on cancer cell toxicity in vitro and on colchicine tumor formation in Lepidium sativum. Anthroposophically processed Viscum album extract (APVAE) was produced by mixing winter and summer mistletoe extracts in the edge of a high-speed rotating disk and was compared with manually mixed Viscum album extract (VAE). The antiproliferative effect of VAE/APVAE was determined in five cell lines (NCI-H460, DU-145, HCC1143, MV3, and PA-TU-8902) by WST-1 assay in vitro; no difference was found between VAE and APVAE in any cell line tested (P > 0.14). Incidence of colchicine tumor formation was assessed by measurement of the root/shoot-ratio of seedlings of Lepidium sativum treated with colchicine as well as VAE, APVAE, or water. Colchicine tumor formation decreased after application of VAE (−5.4% compared to water, P < 0.001) and was even stronger by APVAE (−8.8% compared to water, P < 0.001). The high-speed mistletoe extract mixing process investigated thus did not influence toxicity against cancer cells but seemed to sustain morphostasis and to enhance resistance against external noxious influences leading to phenomenological malformations.
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Abstract
Mistletoes are a group of obligate plant semi-parasites in the order Santalales. These clumps of plants growing on a wide range of host plants have been traditionally regarded as medicinal repositories. However, current scientific discoveries have validated their health potentials like never before. Their extracts containing alkaloids, viscotoxins, lectins, and polysaccharides have been evidenced to possess a myriad biological potentials including cancer inhibition. Mistletoes have emerged as promising alternative therapy against colon, oral, lung, and pancreas cancers. The plant extracts bolster immunity, delay tumour initiation and progression, kill malignant tumours, stabilize DNA, alleviate side effects of chemotherapeutics, improve the lifespan, and coping ability of cancer patients and survivors. A range of proprietary formulations viz. Iscador, Eurixor, Helixor, Lektinol, Isorel, Iscucin, Abnoba-viscum and recombinant lectin ML-1 are already being commercialized. This review presents an informative account on the recent developments in mistletoe-mediated cancer management. The underlying mechanisms, possibilities and limitations in cancer therapeutic development are outlined for kindling both researcher and public interest.
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Adverse Drug Reactions and Expected Effects to Therapy with Subcutaneous Mistletoe Extracts (Viscum album L.) in Cancer Patients. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:724258. [PMID: 24672577 PMCID: PMC3929984 DOI: 10.1155/2014/724258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. In Europe, mistletoe extracts are widely used as a complementary cancer therapy. We assessed the safety of subcutaneous mistletoe as a conjunctive therapy in cancer patients within an anthroposophic medicine setting in Germany. Methods. A multicentre, observational study was performed within the Network Oncology. Suspected mistletoe adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were described by frequency, causality, severity, and seriousness. Potential risk factors, dose relationships and drug-drug interactions were investigated. Results. Of 1923 cancer patients treated with subcutaneous mistletoe extracts, 283 patients (14.7%) reported 427 expected effects (local reactions <5 cm and increased body temperature <38°C). ADRs were documented in 162 (8.4%) patients who reported a total of 264 events. ADRs were mild (50.8%), moderate (45.1%), or severe (4.2%). All were nonserious. Logistic regression analysis revealed that expected effects were more common in females, while immunoreactivity decreased with increasing age and tumour stage. No risk factors were identified for ADRs. ADR frequency increased as mistletoe dose increased, while fewer ADRs occurred during mistletoe therapy received concurrent with conventional therapies. Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that mistletoe therapy is safe. ADRs were mostly mild to moderate in intensity and appear to be dose-related and explained by the immune-stimulating, pharmacological activity of mistletoe.
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Weissenstein U, Kunz M, Urech K, Baumgartner S. Interaction of standardized mistletoe (Viscum album) extracts with chemotherapeutic drugs regarding cytostatic and cytotoxic effects in vitro. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 14:6. [PMID: 24397864 PMCID: PMC3893555 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the importance of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to cancer patients, there is an increasing need to learn more about possible interactions between CAM and anticancer drugs. Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) belongs to the medicinal herbs that are used as supportive care during chemotherapy. In the in vitro study presented here the effect of standardized mistletoe preparations on the cytostatic and cytotoxic activity of several common conventional chemotherapeutic drugs was investigated using different cancer cell lines. METHODS Human breast carcinoma cell lines HCC1937 and HCC1143 were treated with doxorubicin hydrochloride, pancreas adenocarcinoma cell line PA-TU-8902 with gemcitabine hydrochloride, prostate carcinoma cell line DU145 with docetaxel and mitoxantrone hydrochloride and lung carcinoma cell line NCI-H460 was treated with docetaxel and cisplatin. Each dose of the respective chemotherapeutic drug was combined with Viscum album extract (VAE) in clinically relevant concentrations and proliferation and apoptosis were measured. RESULTS VAE did not inhibit chemotherapy induced cytostasis and cytotoxicity in any of our experimental settings. At higher concentrations VAE showed an additive inhibitory effect. CONCLUSIONS Our in vitro results suggest that no risk of safety by herb drug interactions has to be expected from the exposition of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs and VAE simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthias Kunz
- Society for Cancer Research, Hiscia Institute, Arlesheim, Switzerland
| | - Konrad Urech
- Society for Cancer Research, Hiscia Institute, Arlesheim, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Baumgartner
- Society for Cancer Research, Hiscia Institute, Arlesheim, Switzerland
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Herdecke, Germany
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Arslan D, Tural D, Akar E. Herbal Administration and Interaction of Cancer Treatment. J Palliat Med 2013; 16:1466-76. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2013.0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Arslan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Deniz Tural
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emre Akar
- Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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NCCAM/NCI Phase 1 Study of Mistletoe Extract and Gemcitabine in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:964592. [PMID: 24285980 PMCID: PMC3826324 DOI: 10.1155/2013/964592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE European Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) extracts (mistletoe) are commonly used for cancer treatment in Europe. This phase I study of gemcitabine (GEM) and mistletoe in advanced solid cancers (ASC) evaluated: (1) safety, toxicity, and maximum tolerated dose (MTD), (2) absolute neutrophil count (ANC) recovery, (3) formation of mistletoe lectin antibodies (ML ab), (4) cytokine plasma concentrations, (5) clinical response, and (6) pharmacokinetics of GEM. METHODS DESIGN increasing mistletoe and fixed GEM dose in stage I and increasing doses of GEM with a fixed dose of mistletoe in stage II. Dose limiting toxicities (DLT) were grade (G) 3 nonhematologic and G4 hematologic events related to platelets and granulocytes only [corrected]; MTD was reached with 2 DLTs in one dosage level. Response in stage IV ASC was assessed with descriptive statistics. Statistical analyses examined clinical response/survival and ANC recovery. RESULTS DLTs were G4 neutropenia, G4 thrombocytopenia, G4 acute renal failure, and G3 cellulitis, attributed to mistletoe. GEM 1300 mg/m(2) [corrected] and mistletoe 250 mg combined were the MTD. Of 44 patients, 24 developed nonneutropenic fever and flu-like syndrome. GEM pharmacokinetics were unaffected by mistletoe. All patients developed ML3 IgG antibodies. ANC showed a trend to increase between baseline and cycle 2 in stage I dose escalation. 6% of patients showed partial response, 42% stable disease. Median survival was 200 days. Compliance with mistletoe injections was high. CONCLUSION GEM plus mistletoe is well tolerated. No botanical/drug interactions were observed. Clinical response is similar to GEM alone.
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Schad F, Axtner J, Happe A, Breitkreuz T, Paxino C, Gutsch J, Matthes B, Debus M, Kröz M, Spahn G, Riess H, von Laue HB, Matthes H. Network Oncology (NO)--a clinical cancer register for health services research and the evaluation of integrative therapeutic interventions in anthroposophic medicine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 20:353-60. [PMID: 24200825 DOI: 10.1159/000356204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concepts of integrative oncology (IO), as have been offered by anthroposophic medicine (AM) for decades, are gaining increasing interest and acceptance. Central aspects are multimodal therapeutic interventions, health-related quality of live, and patients' preference as well as therapeutic relationship and clinical outcome. Despite its broad application, IO lacks evaluation in clinical practice and complementary therapies are not monitored by any cancer registries. METHODS To close this gap we established 'Network Oncology' (NO), a conjoint registry of German outpatient AM practitioners and AM hospitals. In this paper we present the project and a first data overview and compare it to epidemiological registers and current literature. RESULTS NO has collected 10,405 cancer patients' records in 6 years. Compared to epidemiological registers our data show minor differences in disease entity distribution, age, and gender. There is an overproportional amount of young breast cancer patients in NO institutions indicating a demand for integrative therapies in this group. There is no difference between the UICC (Union for International Cancer Control) stages at first diagnosis and at admission to a NO facility. According to our data conventional therapies were less frequently administered after admission to a NO facility. Nevertheless, one third of the patients received their first conventional therapy in a NO facility. 80% of the patients received mistletoe preparations and 63% had nonpharmacotherapeutic, complementary interventions. CONCLUSION Integrative oncological approaches attract a great number of patients visiting AM institutions. The NO provides an infrastructure to evaluate integrative interventions in AM, allows comparison to other clinical registers, and thus can contribute to health service research in this field.
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Mazzio E, Badisa R, Mack N, Deiab S, Soliman KFA. High throughput screening of natural products for anti-mitotic effects in MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cells. Phytother Res 2013; 28:856-67. [PMID: 24105850 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Revised: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Some of the most effective anti-mitotic microtubule-binding agents, such as paclitaxel (Taxus brevifolia) were originally discovered through robust National Cancer Institute botanical screenings. In this study, a high-through put microarray format was utilized to screen 897 aqueous extracts of commonly used natural products (0.00015-0.5 mg/mL) relative to paclitaxel for anti-mitotic effects (independent of toxicity) on proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells. The data obtained showed that less than 1.34 % of the extracts tested showed inhibitory growth (IG50 ) properties <0.0183 mg/mL. The most potent anti-mitotics (independent of toxicity) were Mandrake root (Podophyllum peltatum), Truja twigs (Thuja occidentalis), Colorado desert mistletoe (Phoradendron flavescens), Tou Gu Cao [symbol: see text] Speranskia herb (Speranskia tuberculata), Bentonite clay, Bunge root (Pulsatilla chinensis), Brucea fruit (Brucea javanica), Madder root (Rubia tinctorum), Gallnut of Chinese Sumac (Melaphis chinensis), Elecampane root (Inula Helenium), Yuan Zhi [symbol: see text] root (Polygala tenuifolia), Pagoda Tree fruit (Melia Toosendan), Stone root (Collinsonia Canadensis), and others such as American Witchhazel, Arjun, and Bladderwrack. The strongest tumoricidal herbs identified from amongst the subset evaluated for anti-mitotic properties were wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), beth root (Trillium Pendulum), and alkanet root (Lithospermum canescens). Additional data was obtained on a lesser-recognized herb: (S. tuberculata), which showed growth inhibition on BT-474 (human ductal breast carcinoma) and Ishikawa (human endometrial adenocarcinoma) cells with ability to block replicative DNA synthesis, leading to G2 arrest in MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, these findings present relative potency of anti-mitotic natural plants that are effective against human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mazzio
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Room 104 Dyson Pharmacy Building, 1520 ML King Blvd, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
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Stan RL, Hangan AC, Dican L, Sevastre B, Hanganu D, Catoi C, Sarpataki O, Ionescu CM. Comparative study concerning mistletoe viscotoxins antitumor activity. ACTA BIOLOGICA HUNGARICA 2013; 64:279-88. [PMID: 24013890 DOI: 10.1556/abiol.64.2013.3.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Viscum album L. (Santalaceae) (VA) - a parasitic plant that grows on various trees - has proved a significant anticancer effect in both experimental studies and clinical trials. The present study assesses the influence of oxidative stress in mistletoe induced cytotoxicity in tumor cells, in relation to classic cytostatic therapy. VA ethanolic extract was administered alone and combined with doxorubicin (chloride) in Swiss female mice previously intraperitoneally (i.p.) inoculated with Ehrlich tumor cells (1 × 106/animal) that consequently developed Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). The administered doses were of 50 mg/kg on the 1st, 3rd and 6th day for the VA extract, respectively of 2.5 mg/kg on the 1st and 6th day for doxorubicin, after tumor cell implantation. Fourteen days later all mice were euthanized, ascites of the EAC were collected in order to analyze the tumor proliferation parameters, as well as blood samples, in order to evaluate the antioxidant status in plasma. Tumor development was associated with increased activity of plasma enzymes; classic doxorubicin therapy not only prevents the accumulation of ascitic fluid, but also significantly reduces the activity of plasma antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, in association with VA extract, the protective effect is improved. Oxidative changes in Ehrlich tumor cells consisted in decreased catalase activity and amplified xanthine oxidase and peroxidase activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Liana Stan
- "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy 4/6 Pasteur Street 400012 Cluj-Napoca Romania
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