Subcutaneous infiltrates induced by injection of mistletoe extracts (Iscador).

Iscador, an aqueous extract of Viscum album L., has been widely used as an anti-cancer drug for several decades. Mistletoe lectins have the capacity to activate nonspecific defense mechanisms, and lectin-carbohydrate interactions may be involved in clinically applicable immunomodulation. During treatment with whole-plant mistletoe extract, an inflammatory reaction usually occurs at the site of the injection, early in therapy. These injection sites were examined histologically. Seven subjects received three subcutaneous injections of Iscador QuFrF or Iscador Qu Spezial (twice 0.1 mg and once 2.5 mg) during 9 days. In all subjects, examination of skin biopsies showed a normal epidermis. The dermal and subcutaneous regions contained a dense perivascular lymphocyte infiltrate and increased monocytes. We could not document any increase of plasma cells, eosinophils, mast cells, neutrophils, or granulocytes, as would be the case for a granulomatous infiltrate. In the blood, we observed a significant increase in neutrophils and monocytes 24 hours after administration of 2.5 mg of Iscador.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes