Lectin-optimized mistletoe extract.Experimental testing and clinical application

Author(s): Lenartz, D., Uhlenbruck, G.

Abstract: Recent investigations proved that defined, non-toxic doses of the galactoside-specific mistletoe lectin (mistletoe lectin-1, ML-l; a constituent of clinically approved plant extracts) have immunomodulatory properties. The obvious ability of certain lectins (e.g. ML-1) to activate (non)specific defence mechanism supports the assumption that lectin-carbohydrate interactions may induce clinically beneficial immunomodulation. Initial clinical trials were promising and currently prospectively randomized multicenter trials are being performed to evaluate the ability of complementary ML-1 treatment to reduce the rate of tumor recurrences and metastases, to improve the overall survival as well as the quality of life and to exert immunoprotection in cancer patients under tumor destructive therapy.

Keyword(s): Galactoside-specific mistletoe lectin

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