The immunomodulatory effects of Iscador (a mistletoe, Viscum album extract) were investigated. After a single intravenous infusion of Iscador several immunological parameters in the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients were examined. Parallel with neutrophilia, and with an increase of juvenile neutrophils, a significant enhancement of phagocytic activity of granulocytes was shown. After short decreases during the first 24 h, significant increases in natural killer (NK) and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activities as well as augmented levels of large granular lymphocytes were observed. These NK/ADCC responses followed a kinetic pattern similar to that after treatment with α-interferon described by others. Further significant increases in mitogenic responses to phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A were observed.

Keywords:
Viscum album, Breast cancer, Mitogen response, Phytohemagglutinin, Concanavalin A, Granulocytes, Phagocytic activity, Natural killer cells, Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, Large granular lymphocytes
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© 1986 S. Karger AG, Basel
1986
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