Viscum album L. (Mistletoe) Extracts in Palliative Care of Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review of Quality of Life

Abstract

Introduction: Improving quality of life (QoL) is a primary goal in palliative cancer care. Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) extracts are widely used in European integrative oncology for this purpose. This review evaluates the effect of mistletoe therapy on the QoL of cancer patients.

Methods: RCTs and non-randomized controlled studies were identified through a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Studies assessing QoL using validated instruments (e.g., EORTC QLQ-C30) in adult cancer patients receiving mistletoe extracts were included.

Results: A total of 32 studies were analyzed. The majority of studies, including several large cohort studies, reported clinically relevant improvements in global QoL scores, functioning scales, and symptom scores (e.g., fatigue, pain, insomnia) in patients treated with mistletoe compared to control groups.

Discussion: Mistletoe therapy is associated with a significant improvement in the quality of life of cancer patients. Despite methodological limitations in some of the included studies, the consistency of the findings suggests a true clinical benefit.

Conclusion: Mistletoe extract is an effective complementary therapy for improving quality of life in palliative cancer care.