Viscosan
Also known as: Viscosan, European mistletoe, mistletoe extract, Viscum album L.
Overview
Viscosan is a proprietary preparation derived from *Viscum album* L., commonly known as European mistletoe. It is primarily utilized as an adjunctive therapy in integrative oncology, aiming to improve the quality of life and potentially extend survival in cancer patients. Mistletoe extracts (MEs) are botanical supplements that vary in their preparation methods, including fermented and non-fermented forms, which can influence their biological activity. The active compounds, such as lectins, viscotoxins, and polysaccharides, are believed to modulate the immune system and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. While research on mistletoe extracts is extensive, methodological quality and heterogeneity across studies remain considerations. Viscosan is typically administered via subcutaneous injection under medical supervision.
Benefits
Viscosan and other mistletoe extracts show potential benefits primarily for cancer patients. Meta-analyses suggest an association with improved overall survival; for instance, a review of 32 studies involving 13,745 patients indicated better survival outcomes with subcutaneous mistletoe application. Another meta-analysis focusing on non-fermented extracts reported a hazard ratio of 0.81 for survival benefit in randomized controlled trials. Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis in breast cancer patients demonstrated a clinically relevant, medium-sized improvement in quality of life, suggesting benefits beyond survival, such as symptom relief and enhanced well-being. These benefits are most robust when used as adjuncts to conventional cancer therapies, particularly in breast cancer and other solid tumors. While effect sizes for survival are modest, they are statistically significant, and quality of life improvements are considered clinically meaningful, with benefits observed over medium to long-term follow-ups.
How it works
Mistletoe extracts, including Viscosan, contain biologically active compounds such as lectins, viscotoxins, and polysaccharides. These components are believed to exert their effects by modulating the immune system, inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, and enhancing host defense mechanisms. Upon subcutaneous administration, these compounds are absorbed systemically, though their bioavailability and pharmacokinetics can vary depending on the specific preparation and individual patient factors. The exact molecular targets are still under investigation but are thought to involve interactions with immune cells, such as macrophages and natural killer cells, and direct interference with cancer cell apoptosis pathways, leading to their destruction or inhibition of growth.
Side effects
Viscosan and other mistletoe extracts are generally considered safe when administered subcutaneously under medical supervision. The most common side effects, occurring in over 5% of users, are local injection site reactions, including redness, swelling, and mild pain. Less common side effects (1-5%) may include mild flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills. Rare side effects (less than 1%) encompass allergic reactions, with very rare instances of anaphylaxis. Drug interactions are not extensively documented, but caution is advised when combining Viscosan with immunosuppressive agents or chemotherapy. Contraindications include known hypersensitivity to mistletoe preparations. Due to a lack of sufficient safety data, Viscosan should be avoided in special populations such as pregnant women and severely immunocompromised patients.
Dosage
Typical dosing of Viscosan involves subcutaneous injections, with the dosage titrated based on individual tolerance and clinical response. Minimum effective doses vary significantly by preparation, and clinical studies often utilize standardized doses ranging from low to moderate concentrations. Optimal dosing is not firmly established due to the heterogeneity of research studies. The maximum safe dose is determined by individual tolerability, as higher doses increase the risk of both local injection site reactions and systemic side effects. Administration timing is usually coordinated with conventional cancer treatments, serving as an adjunct therapy. Absorption can be influenced by the injection site and the specific type of mistletoe preparation (e.g., fermented vs. non-fermented). No specific cofactors are required, but treatment should always be supervised by healthcare professionals experienced in integrative oncology.
FAQs
Is Viscosan effective for cancer treatment?
Evidence suggests it may improve survival and quality of life as an adjunct to conventional cancer therapies, but it is not a standalone cure for cancer.
Is Viscosan safe to use?
Generally, yes, when administered under medical supervision. Common side effects are mild to moderate local reactions and flu-like symptoms, with rare allergic reactions.
When should Viscosan be taken?
It is typically administered alongside conventional cancer treatments, usually via subcutaneous injections, and always under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
How soon can benefits be observed?
Improvements in quality of life may be noticed within weeks, while potential survival benefits require longer observation periods, often months to years.
Are all mistletoe extracts the same?
No, mistletoe preparations differ significantly by manufacturer, host tree, and fermentation status, which can impact their efficacy and safety profiles.
Research Sources
- https://karger.com/cmr/article/27/4/260/67791/A-Systematic-Review-and-Meta-Analysis-on-the – This systematic review and meta-analysis, published in 2017, analyzed 32 studies involving 13,745 cancer patients treated between 1963 and 2014. It concluded that subcutaneous application of Iscador, a mistletoe extract, was associated with improved overall survival across various cancer types. The study noted heterogeneity among included studies and the presence of some non-randomized trials, suggesting a moderate quality of evidence.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15347354231198074 – This meta-analysis, published in 2023, specifically investigated the impact of mistletoe extracts on quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer patients, including both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies of intervention (NRSIs). It reported a clinically relevant, medium-sized improvement in QoL with mistletoe extract treatment. The study was noted for its rigorous methods and registered protocol, despite some heterogeneity and risk of bias in included studies, indicating moderate to high quality evidence.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9634211/ – This meta-analysis, published in 2022, focused on non-fermented mistletoe extracts and their effect on survival in cancer patients. It included 11 RCTs and 8 NRSIs, finding a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.81 (95% CI 0.69-0.95, p=0.01) favoring mistletoe treatment for survival. The authors noted a moderate to high risk of bias and heterogeneity across studies, calling for more high-quality RCTs to confirm these findings.
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/mistletoe-pdq – This resource from the National Cancer Institute provides a comprehensive overview of mistletoe as a complementary and alternative medicine for cancer. It discusses the plant's properties, various preparations, mechanisms of action, and clinical evidence regarding its use in oncology. The summary emphasizes the ongoing research and the need for high-quality studies to fully establish its efficacy and safety.
