Mistletoe for breast cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mistletoe in early Breast Cancer (MBC): A pilot study for a randomised controlled trial
IRAS ID
76931
Contact name
Gene Feder
Contact email
Eudract number
2011-001224-37
ISRCTN Number
00000000
Research summary
Previous research has suggested that mistletoe treatment can improve quality of life of women with breast cancer, decrease fatigue and diminish the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the evidence is not strong enough to make mistletoe part of routine treatment for breast cancer, not least because there are few comparisons between mistletoe and an identical looking non-active treatment (placebo). In this pilot study we will test whether a randomised controlled trial of mistletoe injections compared to placebo injections during chemotherapy or radiotherapy is feasible. We will find out whether women are willing to take part in such a trial, whether the mistletoe treatment or placebo is acceptable to them and whether they complete the questionnaires we are using to measure outcomes. At the end of the study we will ask participants whether they knew which treatment they were getting (mistletoe or placebo). The results of this pilot study will help us plan a large trial to test whether mistletoe does improve quality of life and reduce symptoms of women during breast cancer treatment.
REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
11/WA/0336
Date of REC Opinion
5 Apr 2012
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion