Mistletoe and DNA strands symbolizing cancer fatigue treatment

Can Mistletoe Ease Cancer Fatigue? A Natural Approach to Supportive Care

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore how mistletoe therapy offers a promising avenue for managing cancer-related fatigue and improving quality of life during colorectal cancer treatment."

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a persistent and debilitating side effect that significantly impacts the quality of life for many cancer patients, often lasting for years after treatment concludes. This exhaustion differs greatly from typical fatigue, proving unresponsive to rest and significantly affecting daily activities and overall well-being. Understanding and managing CRF is therefore crucial in comprehensive cancer care.

Conventional cancer treatments, while life-saving, can contribute to CRF, making it essential to explore supportive therapies that can alleviate these side effects without compromising treatment efficacy. This article delves into the potential of mistletoe therapy as a supportive treatment for colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The aim is to provide insights into how mistletoe extract can improve fatigue levels and overall quality of life during cancer treatment.

Drawing from a retrospective study, we will examine the impact of mistletoe therapy on colorectal cancer patients, focusing on its ability to reduce CRF symptoms and improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We will explore how this natural approach integrates with conventional treatments to offer a more holistic and supportive care model.

Mistletoe Therapy: A Natural Ally Against Cancer Fatigue

Mistletoe and DNA strands symbolizing cancer fatigue treatment

A recent study investigated the effects of Iscador® Qu, a mistletoe preparation, on colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemo- or radio-chemotherapy. The study compared a group receiving Iscador® Qu in addition to their cancer treatment with a control group receiving only conventional cancer therapy. The results indicated a significant reduction in CRF among patients using mistletoe therapy.

The study's findings revealed that only 8.8% of patients in the mistletoe therapy group were diagnosed with CRF by the end of the treatment period, compared to a substantial 60.1% in the control group. This suggests that mistletoe therapy can significantly mitigate the development or severity of cancer-related fatigue during treatment.

Improved Fatigue Levels: Patients receiving mistletoe therapy reported lower levels of fatigue compared to those undergoing conventional treatment alone.
Enhanced Quality of Life: The reduction in fatigue symptoms was associated with an improved overall quality of life, enabling patients to maintain a more active and fulfilling lifestyle during cancer treatment.
Reduced Inflammation: Mistletoe extract's anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to its ability to alleviate CRF, as inflammation is often linked to fatigue in cancer patients.

While conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation target cancer cells, mistletoe therapy appears to work by modulating the body's immune response and reducing inflammation, thereby alleviating fatigue. This dual approach—attacking the cancer while supporting the body's natural defenses—highlights the potential of integrative cancer care.

Embracing Integrative Cancer Care: The Future of Fatigue Management

The findings from this study suggest that mistletoe therapy holds promise as a supportive treatment for colorectal cancer patients experiencing fatigue. By integrating natural therapies like mistletoe extract with conventional cancer treatments, healthcare professionals can offer a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach to care.

As research continues to explore the benefits of integrative cancer care, it's important for patients to discuss all treatment options with their healthcare team. Incorporating therapies like mistletoe extract, alongside conventional treatments, may lead to improved outcomes and a better quality of life during cancer treatment.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide patients with the best possible care, addressing not only the cancer itself but also the debilitating side effects that can impact their overall well-being. Mistletoe therapy represents a step forward in this direction, offering a natural and supportive approach to managing cancer-related fatigue.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2174/1871528113666140428103332, Alternate LINK

Title: Targeting Inflammation In Cancer-Related-Fatigue: A Rationale For Mistletoe Therapy As Supportive Care In Colorectal Cancer Patients

Subject: Pharmacology

Journal: Inflammation & Allergy-Drug Targets

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.

Authors: Paul Bock, Jurgen Hanisch, Harald Matthes, Kurt Zanker

Published: 2014-05-31

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is cancer-related fatigue, and how does it differ from regular tiredness?

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a persistent and debilitating exhaustion that significantly lowers the quality of life for cancer patients, often for years after treatment. It is not relieved by rest and greatly impacts daily activities. In contrast to typical fatigue, CRF requires specific management within comprehensive cancer care to improve a patient's well-being.

How does mistletoe therapy, such as with Iscador® Qu, help with cancer-related fatigue during colorectal cancer treatment?

The retrospective study examined the impact of Iscador® Qu, a specific mistletoe preparation, on colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemo- or radio-chemotherapy. Patients who received Iscador® Qu alongside their conventional cancer treatment reported lower levels of CRF compared to those receiving only conventional treatments. This suggests Iscador® Qu can significantly reduce the development or severity of cancer-related fatigue during cancer treatment.

How does mistletoe therapy work to reduce cancer-related fatigue, and how does this differ from how chemotherapy or radiation work?

Mistletoe therapy, particularly using preparations like Iscador® Qu, is believed to work by modulating the body's immune response and reducing inflammation. This is different from conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, which directly target cancer cells. Mistletoe therapy supports the body's natural defenses and helps to alleviate fatigue, offering a dual approach in integrative cancer care. This approach could offer better quality of life during treatment.

What are the specific benefits of using mistletoe therapy for managing cancer-related fatigue during colorectal cancer treatment?

The benefits of mistletoe therapy in managing cancer-related fatigue include improved fatigue levels, where patients report feeling less exhausted; enhanced quality of life, allowing patients to maintain a more active lifestyle during cancer treatment; and reduced inflammation, which is thought to contribute to fatigue. Combining these benefits can lead to a more holistic and supportive approach to cancer care.

What does "integrative cancer care" mean, and how does mistletoe therapy fit into this approach for managing fatigue?

Integrative cancer care involves combining conventional cancer treatments with natural therapies like mistletoe extract, specifically Iscador® Qu, to offer a more comprehensive, patient-centered approach. This model addresses not only the cancer itself but also the side effects of treatment, such as cancer-related fatigue, by supporting the body's natural defenses and improving overall well-being. This approach aims to enhance treatment outcomes and improve the patient experience.