Iscador P

Iscador P is a fermented aqueous mistletoe extract preparation used in anthroposophic medicine, particularly for cancer treatment. It's derived specifically from pine mistletoe (Viscum album growing on pine trees). ## Composition and Formulation Iscador P contains fermented, aqueous extract from Viscum album (European mistletoe) harvested from pine trees (indicated by the "P" in the name). The preparation also contains sodium chloride and water for injection. It's available as a solution for subcutaneous injection in various dosage strengths, typically packaged in 7-ampoule or 14-ampoule sets. ## Medical Uses According to the anthroposophic understanding of medicine, Iscador P is indicated for: - Malignant tumors, including those with accompanying impairment of hematopoietic organs - Benign tumor diseases - Defined precancerous disorders - Prevention of tumor recurrence after surgery ## Clinical Evidence Research has shown that Iscador treatment may prolong survival time in cancer patients. A significant study involving 10,226 cancer patients found that those treated with Iscador had approximately 40% longer mean survival time (4.23 years vs. 3.05 years) compared to control groups. The treatment appears to stimulate self-regulation mechanisms in the body. ## Administration Iscador P is administered via subcutaneous injection, typically 2-3 times per week. Treatment usually follows a gradual dosing schedule with increasing concentrations according to series composition. The medication should not be injected into inflamed skin areas or irradiation fields. ## Contraindications Iscador P should not be used in patients with: - Known allergy to preparations of European mistletoe - Disorders accompanied by acute inflammation or high fever (temperatures >38°C) - Chronic granulomatous diseases - Florid autoimmune diseases or those treated with immunosuppressive drugs - Hyperthyroidism with tachycardia ## Side Effects Possible side effects include: - Locally restricted inflammatory reactions around the injection site - Fever and flu-like symptoms - Swelling of regional lymph nodes - Activation of inflammations/allergic reactions - In rare cases, allergic (anaphylactic) reactions requiring emergency treatment - Reports of chronic granulomatous inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and symptoms of increased brain pressure in brain tumors/metastases during therapy. ## Availability As of May 2025, there are supply issues with some Iscador preparations in Switzerland and Germany, with certain products expected to be out of stock until at least the end of the year.

Brand names

Iscador

Other names

pine tree mistletoe extractViscum album - PiniViscum album L. subspecies austriacum