The new guideline of the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) "Clinical practice guidelines on the evidence-based use of integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment” [8]) was published internationally in 2017. It yields an “optional” recommendation (grade C) for subcutaneous mistletoe therapy. Subcutaneous mistletoe therapy can thus be used to improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients.
Already in June 2018, the guidelines were adopted and approved by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) [72]. This is the first time that one of the largest oncological societies has accepted and recommended mistletoe therapy as part of an international guideline.
In the course of the renewal of the SIO guideline, a new two-sentence definition of Integrative Oncology including mistletoe therapy, was developed and published in November 2017 [108]:
„Integrative oncology is a patient-centred, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilizes mind and body practices, natural products, and/or lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments. Integrative oncology aims to optimize health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes across the cancer care continuum and to empower people to prevent cancer and become active participants before, during, and beyond cancer treatment.”
Last update: May 5th, 2023/ AT