Mistletoe Therapy for Cancer Support | Integrative Care London
Therapies
Mistletoe Therapy as Integrative Cancer Support (Viscum album)
Mistletoe therapy uses extracts from the mistletoe plant (Viscum album) as a
clinician-supervised complementary therapy alongside conventional cancer treatment.
It is typically considered for supporting wellbeing and quality of life—not replacing oncology care.
Different people start in different places. Use the options below to get the information you need—safely and efficiently.
Check suitability (Consultation)
A clinician-led review of your diagnosis, current treatment plan, medications/supplements, and goals—so we can advise
whether mistletoe therapy can be integrated safely alongside oncology care.
Appointments in London and remote options available (where appropriate).
Evidence & safety
A clear, balanced overview of what the evidence does—and does not—show, plus safety guidance, cautions,
and how we avoid interfering with your primary cancer treatment.
Brand choice is a clinical decision, not a “best brand” ranking.
What is mistletoe therapy (Viscum album extract)?
Mistletoe therapy involves using a prepared extract of Viscum album under clinical guidance. In integrative oncology settings,
it is usually approached as supportive care—aimed at supporting the person’s overall resilience and wellbeing during or after cancer treatment.
Suitability is individual. A responsible approach considers your diagnosis, oncology plan, medications/supplements, immune status, and personal goals.
If you want a clear, clinician-led answer for your situation, start with a suitability assessment:
Book a mistletoe consultation.
Why people consider mistletoe alongside cancer treatment
Most people explore mistletoe therapy because they want a structured, clinician-guided supportive option within a whole-person model of care.
Patients often ask about supportive therapies when treatment affects energy, sleep, appetite, comfort, or emotional wellbeing.
Important: Mistletoe therapy is offered as an adjunct within integrative care. It is not a replacement
for conventional oncology treatment.
Common “jobs-to-be-done” patients describe
Wanting a supportive plan to help cope with treatment demands
Seeking more personalised guidance and continuity of care
Looking for supportive options to complement recovery and wellbeing
Wanting clear safety review of medications, supplements, and timing
How mistletoe therapy is given
Subcutaneous mistletoe injections
The most common route is subcutaneous administration (a small injection under the skin). In clinician-supervised care,
introduction is typically cautious, with attention to tolerability and your overall treatment context.
Other routes (where clinically appropriate)
In some contexts, mistletoe may also be delivered using other routes under clinical supervision. If this is relevant,
we explain the rationale, what monitoring is needed, and how it fits alongside your oncology care.
How it may work (supportive mechanisms explained simply)
Mistletoe extracts contain bioactive compounds that are discussed in the integrative oncology literature in relation to supportive mechanisms such as
immune signalling/modulation and broader wellbeing outcomes. Evidence varies by study type and outcome.
Evidence: what it can and can’t claim
A responsible, safety-first approach separates:
(1) supportive outcomes (e.g., quality of life / symptom burden) from
(2) anti-cancer claims, which require strong evidence and must not be overstated.
For a full, transparent summary, read:
Evidence & safety for mistletoe therapy.
Who might be a candidate (and who needs extra caution)
Mistletoe therapy is not “one-size-fits-all”. Suitability depends on your diagnosis, current oncology plan, medical history,
immune status, and your medication and supplement profile.
Why clinician-led screening matters
Some people require additional caution or may be advised against mistletoe therapy depending on individual risk factors.
This is why we begin with a structured review and—where appropriate—coordinate with your oncology team.
Reactions can vary from person to person. This table helps you understand what may be expected and what needs urgent medical advice.
If you are unsure, contact your clinician.
What you notice
What it may mean
What to do
Mild redness, warmth, or swelling at the injection site
A local reaction can occur with subcutaneous injections
Monitor and mention it at your next check-in. If it worsens rapidly or becomes very painful, contact us.
Mild itchiness at the injection site
Local skin sensitivity
Monitor. If widespread rash develops or you feel unwell, seek advice promptly.
Low-grade temperature or “flu-like” feeling (mild)
Some people report short-lived systemic reactions
Rest, hydrate, and contact us if symptoms persist, escalate, or you are on intensive cancer treatment and feel unwell.
Mild fatigue for a short period after dosing
A transient response can occur
Monitor. If fatigue is severe, prolonged, or impacts daily function, contact us for review.
Headache (mild to moderate)
Non-specific reaction (many possible causes)
If new, severe, or persistent—especially if accompanied by fever, confusion, or neck stiffness—seek urgent advice.
If any of the following occur, seek urgent medical advice
Difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of lips/face/tongue, or throat tightness
Possible serious allergic reaction
Call emergency services immediately.
Rapidly spreading rash or widespread hives, especially with dizziness or feeling faint
Possible significant allergic reaction
Seek urgent medical attention.
High fever, shaking chills, or feeling acutely unwell
Possible infection or serious systemic reaction (not specific to mistletoe—needs assessment)
Seek urgent medical advice, particularly if you are immunocompromised or undergoing chemotherapy.
Severe pain, increasing redness, marked swelling, blistering, or pus at the injection site
Possible infection or severe local reaction
Contact urgent care the same day.
Chest pain, new confusion, collapse, or severe weakness
Medical emergency (many potential causes)
Call emergency services immediately.
Safety note: This information is general and not a substitute for medical advice. If you are receiving cancer treatment and feel suddenly unwell, seek urgent assessment.
For contraindications, interactions, and detailed safety guidance, read:
Evidence & safety for mistletoe therapy.
Brands and why they differ
Many people search by brand name. Mistletoe therapy is available from different manufacturers, and brands can vary in formulation and presentation.
We treat brand choice as a clinical decision guided by your context, tolerability, availability, and how the therapy fits into your wider plan.
Costs vary because mistletoe therapy is individualised. Total cost is influenced by consultation and follow-up structure, the preparation/brand used,
how the plan is delivered, and monitoring requirements.
We recommend reviewing safety and evidence information before starting. This includes what the literature does and does not show,
common reactions and precautions, interaction considerations, and how we coordinate to avoid interfering with your primary cancer treatment.
These are not automatic add-ons—your clinician will advise what is appropriate and safe for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
For the full FAQ page, visit:
Mistletoe therapy FAQs.
Below are the most common questions.
Is mistletoe therapy safe alongside chemotherapy or radiotherapy?
Safety depends on your diagnosis, treatment plan, timing, and medication/supplement profile. We assess suitability and coordinate with your oncology team
where appropriate before recommending any complementary therapy.
Can mistletoe therapy be used during immunotherapy?
This requires careful clinician review and coordination. Suitability is individual and depends on your specific immunotherapy regimen and clinical context.
What are common reactions, and what symptoms are urgent?
Some people experience mild local reactions or short-lived systemic symptoms. Urgent symptoms include breathing difficulty, facial/throat swelling, severe rash with dizziness,
high fever with shaking chills, or severe injection-site changes. For detailed guidance, read:
Evidence & safety for mistletoe therapy.
What’s the difference between Iscador, Abnoba Viscum and Helixor?
Brands can differ in formulation and presentation. Brand choice is a clinical decision based on your context, tolerability, availability, and how the therapy fits into your wider plan.
Explore:
Mistletoe brands (Iscador, Abnoba Viscum, Helixor).
How much does mistletoe therapy cost overall?
Total cost varies because plans are personalised. It depends on consultations and follow-ups, the preparation/brand used, how the plan is delivered, and monitoring requirements.
See:
Mistletoe therapy cost.
Is mistletoe therapy a cure for cancer?
No. Mistletoe therapy is offered as supportive care within an integrative approach and is not intended to replace conventional oncology treatment.
Book a mistletoe consultation
If you’re considering mistletoe therapy, the safest first step is a clinician-led suitability assessment.
Disclaimer: Mistletoe therapy is offered as supportive care within an integrative cancer care model. It is not intended to replace conventional oncology treatment.
Always seek clinician guidance before starting or combining therapies.
Integrative Cancer Care, London & UK-Wide
Private Complementary and Alternative Healthcare clinic.