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Progress in Iscador therapy of malignant tumours
Progress in Iscador therapy of malignant tumours IV
Breast cancer
Da MARIA GUNCZLER, Vienna
Two years have passed since Prof. G. Salzer and the author published a paper on the treatment of breast cancer with the reduced radical mastectomy and Iscador therapy. I n the meantime our findings have been confirmed on a larger series of patients and also with regard to five-year results. This paper reports on our own experience in treating about 250 patients with breast cancer. The intention is merely to report personal experience. The therapeutic and spiritual scientific backgrounds of the cancer treatment are given in the booklet Directions for the Use oflscador and in the literature quoted in it. As our experience with the treatment increased it became obvious (and could also be proved statistically) that results were far better with the lower strengths (from St. 4 ~ 0 . 0 1 % down to 3 %, 5 %), than with the higher strengths (from St. 5 up to St. 7). This means t h a t substantial doses of the remedy proved more effective. Treatment throughout was with the Iscador preparation made from mistletoe from apple trees and combined with silver (iscador Mall c. Ag). According to Rudolf Steiner, mistletoe from the apple t r e e - - w i t h silver to direct its action towards the reproductive organs--is best for treating tumours of the female genital system. As the m a m m a r y gland is physiologically related to the reproductive system, the same preparation is chosen. Wherever circumstances permitted, Iseador therapy was started with 2-4 weeks of pre-operative treatment. During this time Iscador was injected around the tumour every second day or three times a week. Ideally intensive therapy means every second day, following the directions given by Rudolf Steiner, but as the treatment was given in hospital this usually was not possible. Dosage started with strength 4, which was mostly given twice, then followed about 3 injections of strength 3, and the remainder were strength 2, given without interruption until operation. Postoperative prophylaxis started as soon as at all possible--sometimes already b y infiltrating the operation area. Treatments were given in series of 14 injections. The average number of series given in the first postoperative year was 5, in the second year 4, in the third year and if possible in subsequent years 3, distributed evenly over the year. The injections were usually given of a paper from BeitrSge zu einer Erweiterung der Heilkunst nach geisteswissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen Heft 5, Sept./Oct. 1964, published with the kind permission of the Arbeitsgeraeinschaft anthroposophischer _~rzte, Stuttgart. Translator: R. E. K. Meuss, F.I.L.
Translation
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twice a week, subcutaneously near the operation scar and in the axilla. A good basic system of treatment is the following series: Iscador Mali c.Ag. St. 4 4 3 3 2 2 2, given twice weekly. After an interval of seven to ten days the same is repeated. For seriously endangered patients, the treatment can he intensified by shortening the intervals between courses of injections, replacing St. 4 in the series with St. 3 and 2, and giving the injections more frequently, i.e. every second day or three times a week. I f pre-operative therapy had not been possible, the first postoperative course often consisted of 21 injections given without interval. An a t t e m p t to intensify therapy further b y giving higher percentages of Iscador gave no better results. I f local recurrences or operable glandular recurrences appeared during therapy, they were removed after a short preliminary treatment. After their removal therapy was continued as described for the first postoperative year; if the glandular involvement was extensive, treatment was even more intensive. I f inoperable glandular recurrences, lenticular s k i n metastases or ht~matogenic metastases in other parts of the organism appeared during Iscador therapy, treatment was given practically without interruption, usually three times a week, with 2 % and 3%, and in some cases 5 % Iscador. The injection is always given around the tumour in these cases, and for bone metastases near the affected area. With this continuous therapy, an occasional change to the mercury combination of mistletoe from the apple tree (Iseador Mali e. Hg) proved helpful. I f the tumour was inoperable or hzematogenic metastasization existed already when treatment with Iscador commenced, a more cautious approach seemed advisable. I n these cases the same strengths were used, i.e. we started with St. 4, but only changed to the next strength, St. 3, when it had been given for some time and only if it was well tolerated. The same care was taken before intensifying treatment further b y changing to St. 2 ( ~ 1%) and sometimes later to 3 % and even 5 %. I t is best to use the same concentration for several weeks. Experience has shown t h a t in cases where the disease has reached an advanced stage a change from the higher strengths (from St. 5 upwards) to more intensive therapy with the lower strengths mentioned above m a y lead to deterioration. This has been observed in patients who were already under Iscador therapy when they came to us. I t is better not to change the treatment in these cases, or to do so only b y feeling one's way with the greatest caution. With the above dosages, there are no contraindications for Iscador therapy; it could be given in febrile postoperative conditions as well as in cases with Basedow's disease and tuberculosis of the lungs. With these conditions or diseases it is advisable to treat chiefly with the lower strengths, i.e. Iscador St. 3, St. 2, and 2%. Apart from giving the dosages, we can report some further points from experience. I n the very rare cases of allergic skin reaction the preparation made from mistletoe from pines combined with mercury (Iscador Pini c. Hg) proved effective if used in the same concentrations as above. I t s action is probably slightly weaker. Surgical intervention with skin metastases, even if limited to a small area and easily managed surgically, produced predominantly bad results. A short time after their removal the nodules came up like mushrooms. Better results were obtained with intensive Iscador therapy and regular local application of Ungt. Uraninlte 1% to 10%. I t was possible to keep patients with skin
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metastases at what seemed to be a state of reduced progress of the disease, but it was not possible to get the metastases to regress or to prevent the fatal conclusion. Iscador therapy of breast cancer was always supported by giving Stibium, Formica, remedies to stimulate the liver, and dietetic advice. Further details of these, as well as of the treatment of bone and lung metastases, carcinosis pleurm and the alleviation of pain, are given in the relevant sections of Directions for the Use of Iscador.1 A few additional points from our experience: Ampoules of Formica cps, and sometimes also Belladonna-Papaver cps, proved very helpful in alleviating pain. Ulcerated tumours were helped by the application of Viscum Gel (Gelatum Visci mali 5~/o); this not only ameliorates pain, but also keeps the wound clean and odourless. Patients with tight-feeling scars found external applications of Silicea 1% in oil very beneficial. I f there was great danger to the patient, Stibium prep. D6 ampoules were frequently added to the Iscador, to strengthen the form-giving forces. A much dreaded complication is brawny congestion of the arm. A preparation made from the haustoria of mistletoe, the radicles which enter into the wood of the host tree (Senker D3, Laboratorium Hiscia, Arlesheim, Switzerland) was often helpful; it was given together with the Iscador injection. Irradiation will also give temporary improvement or relief. Particular attention was paid to the treatment of chronic illnesses and proper organization of the metabolism: Constipation was treated, and any troubles arising from the liver, gall-bladder or pancreas, etc., dealt with. We did repeatedly get the impression that therapeutic failure was connected with metabolic processes which had not been coped with, with menstrual disturbances, and also diseases of the joints, etc. Extensive bone metastases were on several occasions found to be the direct sequel of over-exertion and getting chilled through. Patients were therefore strongly advised to wear sufficiently warm clothing and avoid getting overtired in carrying out their duties. I f facilities for artistic activities existed, these were encouraged.
The following case histories are practical examples of the therapy: First of all a partial mastectomy with no further complications. Mrs Sch. J., born 1905. Only childhood diseases, measles and ehiekenpox. For several decades she suffered from inflammations of the throat and ears which ceased when the devitalized teeth were removed. Attacks of biliary colic started in 1942; cholecystectomy in 1948, since then symptom-free. Gynmcologically n.a.d., menopause. Family history nothing unusual. I n August 1955 the patient notices a tumour in the right breast. When first examined in mid-November 1955 this is the size of an apricot, firm, with edges not clearly defined. I t lies in the lower half of the lateral upper quadrant of the breast and extends to the centre of the mamilla. I t is easily movable in relation to the substratum and the skin. Axillary and sub-clavicular glands not palpable. Patient has some hot flushes and is constipated. Internal examination: n.a.d. Therapy: Stibium prep. D6 trit. and Formica D3 dil. t.d.s, half an hour before meals, the routine adjuvant therapy. I n addition Choleodoron to stimulate liver function and an aperient herbal tea mixture (Clairo Tea). For the hot
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flushes Belladonna D4--Sanguinaria canad. D6 aa. drops, and to raise her low temperatures Vivianite D6 trit. Preliminary therapy started with the dosage then in current use, Iscador Mali c. Ag St. 7-5, every second day, altogether 7 injections. During this time the turnout became more clearly defined. Operation on 29th November 1955: "The tumour itself about the size of a child's fist, easily mobile against the substratum, skin over the tumour not adherent. Pointed oval excision of the skin in the upper outer quadrant, the incision extending to the mamilla, cutting around the mamilla at about 2 cm distance. Excision of the tumour in healthy tissue. Exact h~emostasis, drainage tube taken out through a dorsal puncture incision. Skin suture." "Histologically a carcinoma solidum simplex m a m m m with considerable cell polymorphism." Postoperative progress was without complications and the patient then received courses of Iscador at regular intervals. She was still receiving two courses in the ninth year after operation, although there had been no recurrence. Since increasing experience had shown that lower strengths gave better results, therapy was changed to these with due caution, and since 1959 the patient has been treated with strengths 4-2. The next case history shows the procedure used for local recurrence. Mrs W. M., born 1915. Measles, chickenpox, tonsillectomy at age 5, otherwise has never been ill. Gyneecologically: Slightly irregular periods with lower back pain. Family history: Father died from cancer of the stomach, mother cancer (?) of the lung. In mid-April 1956 the patient noticed a walnut-sized tumour in the inner upper quadrant of the left breast. She had felt a drawing sensation in the breast for about a year. Excision of the tumour on 23rd April 1956. Histology: "fibrous, adipose m a m m a r y parenchyma with a polymorphocellular solid carcinoma". Iscador therapy started in mid-May. Status pr.: 3 cm operation scar n.a.d., no glands palpable in axilla and under the clavicle; internal examination-n.a.d. Patient is symptom-free. She is given Stibium prep. D6 and Formica D 3 as well as Iscador Mali c. Ag in the strengths we were then using, 6-4, and later 5-3. Towards the end of the year drawing and itching sensations in the breast; therapy is intensified: St. 4-2. I n mid-December 1957 a resistance is palpable above the scar, it is about the size of a plum, with outlines not clearly defined, and fairly soft. The patient now has occasional pains in the breast. ESR (Westergren) is 15/30 ram. As treatment continues the resistance becomes more clearly defined and gives more the impression of being inflammatory, but does not regress. The tumour was therefore removed on 17th March 1958 by "incision over the infiltration and excision of the infiltrate, together with the surrounding parenchyma, going well into healthy tissue". The tumour is partially necrotic and histologically proves to be "polymorphic squamous celled carcinoma with traces of cornification". Therapy continued with strengths 4-2, the number of courses was chosen as described above, so that five courses were given in the first postoperative year after removal of the recurrence. April 1964: patient has had no further recurrence, feels well. The next case history is unusual. As well as high blood pressure and the carcinoma, the patient had a furunculosis and active pulmonary tuberculosis, i.e. inflammatory and hardening tendencies appeared at the same time. 3B
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MrsG. M., born 1918 Measles, diphtheria, whooping cough. Always weak as a child. Otitis media, mastoiditis and antrotomy at age 21. Left exudative pleuritis at age 27. She grew thin, felt weak and had a slight cough. High blood pressure was first diagnosed in 1954, the systolic pressure being 240 mm Hg. The weakness and cough continued until in December 1957 a cavity was found in the right upper lobe. Sputum was tb positive. She was sent to a sanatorium, had a pneumothorax and intensive tuberculostatic therapy which was continued until the end of 1960. The patient gained 12 kg weight. In January 1958 onset of a violent furunculosis; the abscesses in the axilla had to be opened several times. Family history n.a.d. During a change of dressing a lump the size of a hen's egg was discovered in the upper external quadrant of the left breast. Biopsy on 3rd June 1959: "Extensive formations of a polymorphocellular carcinoma, mostly solid, in parts adenomatous." Patient is of fairly slender build, well nourished, no temperatures. She perspires easily, eyes are shiny. Apart from her nervous and excitable condition--reminding of hyperthyreosis--she shows a certain rigidity and hardening. Examination revealed accentuation of 2nd pulmonary murmur. B P 210/110 mm Hg. Pulmo: therapeutic pneumothorax over right lung, with infiltrative partial collapse of upper lobe, and infiltrative dissemination in left upper lobe with ulceration. Still several small boils in the axillm. In the lateral upper quadrant of the left breast the biopsy wound is still gaping and weeping. Left ear deaf from previous otitis media. Periods regular and symptomless. The patient complains of being chilly on several occasions recently, of depressions which sometimes are combined with marked forgetfulness. She reports frequent pain in the temporal region. Radical operation is delayed because of the furunculosis, and Iscador therapy is therefore started as preliminary treatment. The patient is given Iscador Mali c. Ag strength 3, first half and later a whole ampoule, then strength 2; in addition Formica D3 and Arsenicum album D 30 injections; per os, Plumbum mell. D12, Formica D3 dil. and Stibium prep. D6 trit. The Arsenicum album and Plumbum mell. were given for the hypertonia. The furunculosis heals with Sulphur iod. D6 and a yeast preparation. But a hardened gland the size of a bean becomes palpable in the axilla, and there is suspicious induration near the site of excision. Operation on 19th August 1959: "pointed oval incision around the left breast, so that the nut-sized tumour in the left outer upper quadrant and the cutaneous scar near it are included with ample margin. Separation of greater and smaller pectoral muscles at their points of insertion. Enucleation of fatty glandular body in axilla until the axillary nerve and vascular tract is freed. Preparation of the anterior edge of the Latissimus dorsi and of the N. dors lat. reveals a chain of carcinomatous lymph nodes running along these structures. These are taken out en bloc. Ablation of the preparation, including pectoral muscles, from the anterior thoracic wall. Histology: Carcinoma of the breast, mainly solid. In places more glandular or sometimes scirrhous formations. Offshoots of the carcinoma in one of four regional lymphnodes examined." After the operation the patient returns to the sanatorium where Iscador therapy is continued with Mali c. Ag St. 3 and above all strength 2. During a break in therapy at the beginning of 1960, a painful swelling and feeling of pressure appear in the left subclavieular hollow. I t bulges forward, and a peasized gland can be felt deeper down in it. 2 % and then 3% Iscador is given three times weekly without interruption. The local finding remains stationary.
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The patient is discharged from the sanatorium in March 1961 and treatment is continued at home, Iseador Mali c. Ag 3% twice weekly with short breaks between series. A check-up in the spring of 1961 shows the subclavicular hollow filled with soft tissue, but no gland is palpable deeper down. There is no further change in the local finding as treatment continues. The patient is symptom-free, no headaches, systolic blood pressure varies between 110 and 170. Arsenieum album D30 was given for a long time, and Plumbum mell. with Stibium and Formica uninterruptediy. Patient does light farm work at home. In the autumn of 1962 the patient complains that the Iscador injections are painful, there is swelling and redness shortly after the injection is given. The apple mistletoe is replaced by pine mistletoe in the same concentration (3~/o) and this stops the allergic symptoms. Finally progress of a breast cancer already far advanced on operation. Mrs E. H., born 1893. As a child the patient had had only measles and inflammation of the joints at the age of 10. Except for jaundice with choleeystitis in 1957 the patient had never been seriously ill. Family history n.a.d. The patient noticed a nodule in the right axilla on 21st July 1958. One year before that she had injured her right breast with the handle of a spade. St. pr.: a biggish woman, in the right breast of the medial upper quadrant an apricotsized easily mobile tumour, in the axilla a nut-sized hard glandular nodule. Internal examination n.a.d. The patient has recently felt tired, temperature lies around 95 ~ F, blood pressure is 120/65 mm Hg. As there is such extensive glandular involvement a true radical removal is not possible. On 16th August 1958 a typical Rotter's radical masteetomy is done. Histology: "partly adenomatous, partly solid carcinoma of the breast with offshoots in the regional lymphnodes. Locally small tubereuloid granulomats, as the reaction to the disintegrating carcinomatous tissue." Therapy is given in the usual way, using Iscador Mall c. Ag in strengths 5-2, and later 4-2, in series. Orally the patient is given Stibium prep. D6, Formica D3, and Vivianite D6 to raise the low temperatures and blood pressure. The patient feels well with this therapy, except for occasional drawing pain in the breast, and gains considerably in weight. But in the summer of 1959 skin nodules appear in the form of lenticular dissemination around the scar. A hazelnut-sized, hard, mobile lump is palpable in the axilla. Therapy is now given uninteiTuptedly with St. 2, and Silieea 1~ in oil is applied locally. In the late autumn of that year, after influenza, the skin metastases progress rapidly and spread down to the epigastrium. A hard gland becomes palpable below the right clavicle. Therapy is intensified: the patient is given Iscador 3~/o, whereupon progress is definitely held up, and in the summer of 1960 a change is made to 4 % and then 5~ Iseador because there were occasional pains in the breast--the general condition otherwise being good. The pains are definitely ameliorated by the application of Ungt. Uraninite 50/0. In the summer of 1961 the metastases begin to ulcerate, and the left breast shows the orange peel sign. The patient is given Gelatum visci mali 5 % to keep the wounds clean. General condition remains well, but the carcinomatous process spreads farther. In the autumn abdominal pains occur for a time. I n March 1962 metastatic enlargement of the liver is clearly established. From then onwards the patient often has colicky pains in the liver region, and also diarrhoea.
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T h e process can no longer be held back and with increasing symptoms from the stomach and intestines the patient dies on 14th August 1962, four years after the operation which definitely was not radical, and three years after t h e appearance of skin metastases. These case histories have been selected to show how postoperative therapy is given in breast cancer cases taking different courses. The method described m a y be taken as a "standard" therapy. This m a y be varied individually, particularly in private practice, where the physician has more opportunity to guide the patients towards an understanding of their disease and of their destiny and help them to come to terms with it. Artistic t h e r a p y will be more easily arranged, and since the economic position of private patients is usually better, one can get them to take life easier and follow directions more exactly. All these factors should improve therapeutic results even further. But even within the limits of a general hospital it has been possible to help cancer patients considerably with Iscador therapy, with statistically good results, and this m a y certainly be regarded as proof of the efficacy of the cancer therapy inaugurated by Rudolf Steiner. REFERENCE 1 Directions for the Use of Iscador, 1965 Edition, obtainable from Verein fiir Krebsfors-
chnng, Arlesheim, Switzerland, and The British Weleda Co. Ltd, Littlehurst, Eas~ Grinstead, Sussex.
Granulocyte reactions after homoeopathic potencies G. D O U C H , M.B., B.S., M.F.HOM.
A t the 25th International Homceopathic Congress a paper was given b y Dr R. Seitschek which described changes in circulating granulocytes demonstrable b y a histochemical technique following the administration of potentized medicines. This fascinating observation gave rise to hopes t h a t at last a readily reproducible method of demonstrating physiological changes in the h u m a n organism following potentized medicines had been discovered. However, discussing this work with hmmatologists, certain difficulties regarding the staining techniques were mentioned and it was resolved to t r y A paper read at the Triennial Congress of the International Homceopathic League, London, J u l y 1"965
Breast cancer
Da MARIA GUNCZLER, Vienna
Two years have passed since Prof. G. Salzer and the author published a paper on the treatment of breast cancer with the reduced radical mastectomy and Iscador therapy. I n the meantime our findings have been confirmed on a larger series of patients and also with regard to five-year results. This paper reports on our own experience in treating about 250 patients with breast cancer. The intention is merely to report personal experience. The therapeutic and spiritual scientific backgrounds of the cancer treatment are given in the booklet Directions for the Use oflscador and in the literature quoted in it. As our experience with the treatment increased it became obvious (and could also be proved statistically) that results were far better with the lower strengths (from St. 4 ~ 0 . 0 1 % down to 3 %, 5 %), than with the higher strengths (from St. 5 up to St. 7). This means t h a t substantial doses of the remedy proved more effective. Treatment throughout was with the Iscador preparation made from mistletoe from apple trees and combined with silver (iscador Mall c. Ag). According to Rudolf Steiner, mistletoe from the apple t r e e - - w i t h silver to direct its action towards the reproductive organs--is best for treating tumours of the female genital system. As the m a m m a r y gland is physiologically related to the reproductive system, the same preparation is chosen. Wherever circumstances permitted, Iseador therapy was started with 2-4 weeks of pre-operative treatment. During this time Iscador was injected around the tumour every second day or three times a week. Ideally intensive therapy means every second day, following the directions given by Rudolf Steiner, but as the treatment was given in hospital this usually was not possible. Dosage started with strength 4, which was mostly given twice, then followed about 3 injections of strength 3, and the remainder were strength 2, given without interruption until operation. Postoperative prophylaxis started as soon as at all possible--sometimes already b y infiltrating the operation area. Treatments were given in series of 14 injections. The average number of series given in the first postoperative year was 5, in the second year 4, in the third year and if possible in subsequent years 3, distributed evenly over the year. The injections were usually given of a paper from BeitrSge zu einer Erweiterung der Heilkunst nach geisteswissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen Heft 5, Sept./Oct. 1964, published with the kind permission of the Arbeitsgeraeinschaft anthroposophischer _~rzte, Stuttgart. Translator: R. E. K. Meuss, F.I.L.
Translation
PROGRESS
I1~" I S C A D O R
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twice a week, subcutaneously near the operation scar and in the axilla. A good basic system of treatment is the following series: Iscador Mali c.Ag. St. 4 4 3 3 2 2 2, given twice weekly. After an interval of seven to ten days the same is repeated. For seriously endangered patients, the treatment can he intensified by shortening the intervals between courses of injections, replacing St. 4 in the series with St. 3 and 2, and giving the injections more frequently, i.e. every second day or three times a week. I f pre-operative therapy had not been possible, the first postoperative course often consisted of 21 injections given without interval. An a t t e m p t to intensify therapy further b y giving higher percentages of Iscador gave no better results. I f local recurrences or operable glandular recurrences appeared during therapy, they were removed after a short preliminary treatment. After their removal therapy was continued as described for the first postoperative year; if the glandular involvement was extensive, treatment was even more intensive. I f inoperable glandular recurrences, lenticular s k i n metastases or ht~matogenic metastases in other parts of the organism appeared during Iscador therapy, treatment was given practically without interruption, usually three times a week, with 2 % and 3%, and in some cases 5 % Iscador. The injection is always given around the tumour in these cases, and for bone metastases near the affected area. With this continuous therapy, an occasional change to the mercury combination of mistletoe from the apple tree (Iseador Mali e. Hg) proved helpful. I f the tumour was inoperable or hzematogenic metastasization existed already when treatment with Iscador commenced, a more cautious approach seemed advisable. I n these cases the same strengths were used, i.e. we started with St. 4, but only changed to the next strength, St. 3, when it had been given for some time and only if it was well tolerated. The same care was taken before intensifying treatment further b y changing to St. 2 ( ~ 1%) and sometimes later to 3 % and even 5 %. I t is best to use the same concentration for several weeks. Experience has shown t h a t in cases where the disease has reached an advanced stage a change from the higher strengths (from St. 5 upwards) to more intensive therapy with the lower strengths mentioned above m a y lead to deterioration. This has been observed in patients who were already under Iscador therapy when they came to us. I t is better not to change the treatment in these cases, or to do so only b y feeling one's way with the greatest caution. With the above dosages, there are no contraindications for Iscador therapy; it could be given in febrile postoperative conditions as well as in cases with Basedow's disease and tuberculosis of the lungs. With these conditions or diseases it is advisable to treat chiefly with the lower strengths, i.e. Iscador St. 3, St. 2, and 2%. Apart from giving the dosages, we can report some further points from experience. I n the very rare cases of allergic skin reaction the preparation made from mistletoe from pines combined with mercury (Iscador Pini c. Hg) proved effective if used in the same concentrations as above. I t s action is probably slightly weaker. Surgical intervention with skin metastases, even if limited to a small area and easily managed surgically, produced predominantly bad results. A short time after their removal the nodules came up like mushrooms. Better results were obtained with intensive Iscador therapy and regular local application of Ungt. Uraninlte 1% to 10%. I t was possible to keep patients with skin
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HOI~(EOPATHIC
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metastases at what seemed to be a state of reduced progress of the disease, but it was not possible to get the metastases to regress or to prevent the fatal conclusion. Iscador therapy of breast cancer was always supported by giving Stibium, Formica, remedies to stimulate the liver, and dietetic advice. Further details of these, as well as of the treatment of bone and lung metastases, carcinosis pleurm and the alleviation of pain, are given in the relevant sections of Directions for the Use of Iscador.1 A few additional points from our experience: Ampoules of Formica cps, and sometimes also Belladonna-Papaver cps, proved very helpful in alleviating pain. Ulcerated tumours were helped by the application of Viscum Gel (Gelatum Visci mali 5~/o); this not only ameliorates pain, but also keeps the wound clean and odourless. Patients with tight-feeling scars found external applications of Silicea 1% in oil very beneficial. I f there was great danger to the patient, Stibium prep. D6 ampoules were frequently added to the Iscador, to strengthen the form-giving forces. A much dreaded complication is brawny congestion of the arm. A preparation made from the haustoria of mistletoe, the radicles which enter into the wood of the host tree (Senker D3, Laboratorium Hiscia, Arlesheim, Switzerland) was often helpful; it was given together with the Iscador injection. Irradiation will also give temporary improvement or relief. Particular attention was paid to the treatment of chronic illnesses and proper organization of the metabolism: Constipation was treated, and any troubles arising from the liver, gall-bladder or pancreas, etc., dealt with. We did repeatedly get the impression that therapeutic failure was connected with metabolic processes which had not been coped with, with menstrual disturbances, and also diseases of the joints, etc. Extensive bone metastases were on several occasions found to be the direct sequel of over-exertion and getting chilled through. Patients were therefore strongly advised to wear sufficiently warm clothing and avoid getting overtired in carrying out their duties. I f facilities for artistic activities existed, these were encouraged.
The following case histories are practical examples of the therapy: First of all a partial mastectomy with no further complications. Mrs Sch. J., born 1905. Only childhood diseases, measles and ehiekenpox. For several decades she suffered from inflammations of the throat and ears which ceased when the devitalized teeth were removed. Attacks of biliary colic started in 1942; cholecystectomy in 1948, since then symptom-free. Gynmcologically n.a.d., menopause. Family history nothing unusual. I n August 1955 the patient notices a tumour in the right breast. When first examined in mid-November 1955 this is the size of an apricot, firm, with edges not clearly defined. I t lies in the lower half of the lateral upper quadrant of the breast and extends to the centre of the mamilla. I t is easily movable in relation to the substratum and the skin. Axillary and sub-clavicular glands not palpable. Patient has some hot flushes and is constipated. Internal examination: n.a.d. Therapy: Stibium prep. D6 trit. and Formica D3 dil. t.d.s, half an hour before meals, the routine adjuvant therapy. I n addition Choleodoron to stimulate liver function and an aperient herbal tea mixture (Clairo Tea). For the hot
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OF MALIGNANT
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flushes Belladonna D4--Sanguinaria canad. D6 aa. drops, and to raise her low temperatures Vivianite D6 trit. Preliminary therapy started with the dosage then in current use, Iscador Mali c. Ag St. 7-5, every second day, altogether 7 injections. During this time the turnout became more clearly defined. Operation on 29th November 1955: "The tumour itself about the size of a child's fist, easily mobile against the substratum, skin over the tumour not adherent. Pointed oval excision of the skin in the upper outer quadrant, the incision extending to the mamilla, cutting around the mamilla at about 2 cm distance. Excision of the tumour in healthy tissue. Exact h~emostasis, drainage tube taken out through a dorsal puncture incision. Skin suture." "Histologically a carcinoma solidum simplex m a m m m with considerable cell polymorphism." Postoperative progress was without complications and the patient then received courses of Iscador at regular intervals. She was still receiving two courses in the ninth year after operation, although there had been no recurrence. Since increasing experience had shown that lower strengths gave better results, therapy was changed to these with due caution, and since 1959 the patient has been treated with strengths 4-2. The next case history shows the procedure used for local recurrence. Mrs W. M., born 1915. Measles, chickenpox, tonsillectomy at age 5, otherwise has never been ill. Gyneecologically: Slightly irregular periods with lower back pain. Family history: Father died from cancer of the stomach, mother cancer (?) of the lung. In mid-April 1956 the patient noticed a walnut-sized tumour in the inner upper quadrant of the left breast. She had felt a drawing sensation in the breast for about a year. Excision of the tumour on 23rd April 1956. Histology: "fibrous, adipose m a m m a r y parenchyma with a polymorphocellular solid carcinoma". Iscador therapy started in mid-May. Status pr.: 3 cm operation scar n.a.d., no glands palpable in axilla and under the clavicle; internal examination-n.a.d. Patient is symptom-free. She is given Stibium prep. D6 and Formica D 3 as well as Iscador Mali c. Ag in the strengths we were then using, 6-4, and later 5-3. Towards the end of the year drawing and itching sensations in the breast; therapy is intensified: St. 4-2. I n mid-December 1957 a resistance is palpable above the scar, it is about the size of a plum, with outlines not clearly defined, and fairly soft. The patient now has occasional pains in the breast. ESR (Westergren) is 15/30 ram. As treatment continues the resistance becomes more clearly defined and gives more the impression of being inflammatory, but does not regress. The tumour was therefore removed on 17th March 1958 by "incision over the infiltration and excision of the infiltrate, together with the surrounding parenchyma, going well into healthy tissue". The tumour is partially necrotic and histologically proves to be "polymorphic squamous celled carcinoma with traces of cornification". Therapy continued with strengths 4-2, the number of courses was chosen as described above, so that five courses were given in the first postoperative year after removal of the recurrence. April 1964: patient has had no further recurrence, feels well. The next case history is unusual. As well as high blood pressure and the carcinoma, the patient had a furunculosis and active pulmonary tuberculosis, i.e. inflammatory and hardening tendencies appeared at the same time. 3B
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MrsG. M., born 1918 Measles, diphtheria, whooping cough. Always weak as a child. Otitis media, mastoiditis and antrotomy at age 21. Left exudative pleuritis at age 27. She grew thin, felt weak and had a slight cough. High blood pressure was first diagnosed in 1954, the systolic pressure being 240 mm Hg. The weakness and cough continued until in December 1957 a cavity was found in the right upper lobe. Sputum was tb positive. She was sent to a sanatorium, had a pneumothorax and intensive tuberculostatic therapy which was continued until the end of 1960. The patient gained 12 kg weight. In January 1958 onset of a violent furunculosis; the abscesses in the axilla had to be opened several times. Family history n.a.d. During a change of dressing a lump the size of a hen's egg was discovered in the upper external quadrant of the left breast. Biopsy on 3rd June 1959: "Extensive formations of a polymorphocellular carcinoma, mostly solid, in parts adenomatous." Patient is of fairly slender build, well nourished, no temperatures. She perspires easily, eyes are shiny. Apart from her nervous and excitable condition--reminding of hyperthyreosis--she shows a certain rigidity and hardening. Examination revealed accentuation of 2nd pulmonary murmur. B P 210/110 mm Hg. Pulmo: therapeutic pneumothorax over right lung, with infiltrative partial collapse of upper lobe, and infiltrative dissemination in left upper lobe with ulceration. Still several small boils in the axillm. In the lateral upper quadrant of the left breast the biopsy wound is still gaping and weeping. Left ear deaf from previous otitis media. Periods regular and symptomless. The patient complains of being chilly on several occasions recently, of depressions which sometimes are combined with marked forgetfulness. She reports frequent pain in the temporal region. Radical operation is delayed because of the furunculosis, and Iscador therapy is therefore started as preliminary treatment. The patient is given Iscador Mali c. Ag strength 3, first half and later a whole ampoule, then strength 2; in addition Formica D3 and Arsenicum album D 30 injections; per os, Plumbum mell. D12, Formica D3 dil. and Stibium prep. D6 trit. The Arsenicum album and Plumbum mell. were given for the hypertonia. The furunculosis heals with Sulphur iod. D6 and a yeast preparation. But a hardened gland the size of a bean becomes palpable in the axilla, and there is suspicious induration near the site of excision. Operation on 19th August 1959: "pointed oval incision around the left breast, so that the nut-sized tumour in the left outer upper quadrant and the cutaneous scar near it are included with ample margin. Separation of greater and smaller pectoral muscles at their points of insertion. Enucleation of fatty glandular body in axilla until the axillary nerve and vascular tract is freed. Preparation of the anterior edge of the Latissimus dorsi and of the N. dors lat. reveals a chain of carcinomatous lymph nodes running along these structures. These are taken out en bloc. Ablation of the preparation, including pectoral muscles, from the anterior thoracic wall. Histology: Carcinoma of the breast, mainly solid. In places more glandular or sometimes scirrhous formations. Offshoots of the carcinoma in one of four regional lymphnodes examined." After the operation the patient returns to the sanatorium where Iscador therapy is continued with Mali c. Ag St. 3 and above all strength 2. During a break in therapy at the beginning of 1960, a painful swelling and feeling of pressure appear in the left subclavieular hollow. I t bulges forward, and a peasized gland can be felt deeper down in it. 2 % and then 3% Iscador is given three times weekly without interruption. The local finding remains stationary.
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IN ISCADOR
THERAPY
OF MALIGI~ANT T UMOURS
95
The patient is discharged from the sanatorium in March 1961 and treatment is continued at home, Iseador Mali c. Ag 3% twice weekly with short breaks between series. A check-up in the spring of 1961 shows the subclavicular hollow filled with soft tissue, but no gland is palpable deeper down. There is no further change in the local finding as treatment continues. The patient is symptom-free, no headaches, systolic blood pressure varies between 110 and 170. Arsenieum album D30 was given for a long time, and Plumbum mell. with Stibium and Formica uninterruptediy. Patient does light farm work at home. In the autumn of 1962 the patient complains that the Iscador injections are painful, there is swelling and redness shortly after the injection is given. The apple mistletoe is replaced by pine mistletoe in the same concentration (3~/o) and this stops the allergic symptoms. Finally progress of a breast cancer already far advanced on operation. Mrs E. H., born 1893. As a child the patient had had only measles and inflammation of the joints at the age of 10. Except for jaundice with choleeystitis in 1957 the patient had never been seriously ill. Family history n.a.d. The patient noticed a nodule in the right axilla on 21st July 1958. One year before that she had injured her right breast with the handle of a spade. St. pr.: a biggish woman, in the right breast of the medial upper quadrant an apricotsized easily mobile tumour, in the axilla a nut-sized hard glandular nodule. Internal examination n.a.d. The patient has recently felt tired, temperature lies around 95 ~ F, blood pressure is 120/65 mm Hg. As there is such extensive glandular involvement a true radical removal is not possible. On 16th August 1958 a typical Rotter's radical masteetomy is done. Histology: "partly adenomatous, partly solid carcinoma of the breast with offshoots in the regional lymphnodes. Locally small tubereuloid granulomats, as the reaction to the disintegrating carcinomatous tissue." Therapy is given in the usual way, using Iscador Mall c. Ag in strengths 5-2, and later 4-2, in series. Orally the patient is given Stibium prep. D6, Formica D3, and Vivianite D6 to raise the low temperatures and blood pressure. The patient feels well with this therapy, except for occasional drawing pain in the breast, and gains considerably in weight. But in the summer of 1959 skin nodules appear in the form of lenticular dissemination around the scar. A hazelnut-sized, hard, mobile lump is palpable in the axilla. Therapy is now given uninteiTuptedly with St. 2, and Silieea 1~ in oil is applied locally. In the late autumn of that year, after influenza, the skin metastases progress rapidly and spread down to the epigastrium. A hard gland becomes palpable below the right clavicle. Therapy is intensified: the patient is given Iscador 3~/o, whereupon progress is definitely held up, and in the summer of 1960 a change is made to 4 % and then 5~ Iseador because there were occasional pains in the breast--the general condition otherwise being good. The pains are definitely ameliorated by the application of Ungt. Uraninite 50/0. In the summer of 1961 the metastases begin to ulcerate, and the left breast shows the orange peel sign. The patient is given Gelatum visci mali 5 % to keep the wounds clean. General condition remains well, but the carcinomatous process spreads farther. In the autumn abdominal pains occur for a time. I n March 1962 metastatic enlargement of the liver is clearly established. From then onwards the patient often has colicky pains in the liver region, and also diarrhoea.
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T h e process can no longer be held back and with increasing symptoms from the stomach and intestines the patient dies on 14th August 1962, four years after the operation which definitely was not radical, and three years after t h e appearance of skin metastases. These case histories have been selected to show how postoperative therapy is given in breast cancer cases taking different courses. The method described m a y be taken as a "standard" therapy. This m a y be varied individually, particularly in private practice, where the physician has more opportunity to guide the patients towards an understanding of their disease and of their destiny and help them to come to terms with it. Artistic t h e r a p y will be more easily arranged, and since the economic position of private patients is usually better, one can get them to take life easier and follow directions more exactly. All these factors should improve therapeutic results even further. But even within the limits of a general hospital it has been possible to help cancer patients considerably with Iscador therapy, with statistically good results, and this m a y certainly be regarded as proof of the efficacy of the cancer therapy inaugurated by Rudolf Steiner. REFERENCE 1 Directions for the Use of Iscador, 1965 Edition, obtainable from Verein fiir Krebsfors-
chnng, Arlesheim, Switzerland, and The British Weleda Co. Ltd, Littlehurst, Eas~ Grinstead, Sussex.
Granulocyte reactions after homoeopathic potencies G. D O U C H , M.B., B.S., M.F.HOM.
A t the 25th International Homceopathic Congress a paper was given b y Dr R. Seitschek which described changes in circulating granulocytes demonstrable b y a histochemical technique following the administration of potentized medicines. This fascinating observation gave rise to hopes t h a t at last a readily reproducible method of demonstrating physiological changes in the h u m a n organism following potentized medicines had been discovered. However, discussing this work with hmmatologists, certain difficulties regarding the staining techniques were mentioned and it was resolved to t r y A paper read at the Triennial Congress of the International Homceopathic League, London, J u l y 1"965