Research Article

Intravenous Mistletoe Treatment in Integrative Cancer Care: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Procedures, Concepts, and Observations of Expert Doctors

Box 3

Case illustrations of favorite course of disease under infusions with changing ME preparations or combinations, as presented by interviewed doctors.
(i) A patient with advanced, progressive non-small-cell lung cancer, lymphangiosis carcinomatosa,
multiple metastases and pericardial effusion who had undergone prior palliative chemotherapies
developed massive shortness of breath and pain. Her previous intravenous infusions with Iscador were
changed to Helixor. Her condition unexpectedly improved drastically. She was able to go home and
lived well for 3 more months. After a fall and injury, her condition deteriorated and she died. (General practitioner)
(ii) A patient with plasmocytoma received weekly infusions (Helixor P, 100–300 mg), inducing fever (38-39°C).
Her condition and protein levels improved and became stable. The proteins later increased again, and a
fever reaction could no longer be induced. Infusions were changed to an Abnoba preparation with high-
dose intravenous (40–80 mg) and subcutaneous (10 mg) application. For 3 years, up to the interview,
the patient was in good condition, was working and lived a very active life. (Average survival in untreated
plasmocytoma is 3.5 years). (Internist) Another doctor described the stabilization of condition and bone
manifestations in advanced plasmocytoma for periods of 6-7 years under regular mistletoe infusions. (Oncologist)
(iii) A patient with colon cancer and extensive liver metastases was expected to die soon. Different
mistletoe applications had made no difference. Mistletoe infusion was combined with Helleborus niger,
which was followed by a stabilization of the disease for several months with good QoL. (Internist)