The Mistletoe and Breast Cancer (MAB) Study: A UK Mixed-Phase, Pilot, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomised Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objective

To test the feasibility of a mixed-phase, pilot, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of mistletoe therapy (MT) with an embedded qualitative study in the UK National Health Service (NHS) setting.

Methods

The aim was to recruit 45 patients via an NHS oncology centre with a diagnosis of early or locally advanced breast cancer. Participants were allocated to Iscador^® Malus, Iscador^® Pinus, or physiological saline (placebo). Diaries and quality-of-life questionnaires were administered. Qualitative interviews were conducted with participants, oncologists, and nurses. Feasibility was assessed by recruitment, retention, adherence, blinding, and safety.

Results

Sixty-seven patients were approached between August 2019 and March 2020

SUBMITTER: Duncan LJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12524002 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature