Talk:Ita Wegman

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Mistletoe: Here is what the American Cancer Society has to say about mistletoe today:

"A number of laboratory experiments suggest mistletoe may have the potential to treat cancer, but these results have not yet been reflected in clinical trials. Available evidence from well-designed clinical trials that have studied mistletoe did not support claims that mistletoe could improve length or quality of life."

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Mistletoe.asp

Here is what the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine has to say (keep in mind these people are looking real hard for clinical effects, if there are any):

 "Laboratory studies have found that mistletoe kills cancer cells and stimulates the immune system. 
 The use of mistletoe to treat cancer has been studied in Europe in more than 30 clinical trials. Although improvements in survival or quality of life have been reported, almost all of the trials had major weaknesses in their design that raise doubts about the findings. For example, many of the studies had a small number of participants or did not have a control group. 
 NCCAM is sponsoring a clinical trial of mistletoe, given in combination with the drug gemcitabine, for cancer. The study will look at toxicity, safety, and immune system effects of mistletoe extract when combined with this chemotherapy drug."

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/eurmistletoe/

In other words, it should not be suggested that mistletoe is an effective treatment for cancer. There are no studies showing this, and quite a few suggesting otherwise.DianaW 14:38, 2 July 2007 (UTC)