Die Misteltherapie in der Behandlung von Patienten mit einer Krebserkrankung

TY - JOUR

T1 - Die Misteltherapie in der Behandlung von Patienten mit einer Krebserkrankung

AU - Rostock, Matthias

PY - 2020/5

Y1 - 2020/5

N2 - 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.

AB - 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.

KW - Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/adverse effects

KW - Germany

KW - Humans

KW - Immunomodulation

KW - Mistletoe/chemistry

KW - Neoplasms/drug therapy

KW - Phytotherapy/methods

KW - Plant Extracts/therapeutic use

KW - Quality of Life

KW - Switzerland

KW - Viscum album

U2 - 10.1007/s00103-020-03122-x

DO - 10.1007/s00103-020-03122-x

M3 - SCORING: Review

C2 - 32211937

VL - 63

SP - 535

EP - 540

JO - BUNDESGESUNDHEITSBLA

JF - BUNDESGESUNDHEITSBLA

SN - 1436-9990

IS - 5

ER -