A groundbreaking new study published in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, suggests that a single dose of psilocybin—the active compound in magic mushrooms—combined with psychological support, may offer long-lasting relief from depression and anxiety in cancer patients.
📊 Key Findings from the Study:
- Participants: 28 cancer patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder
- Treatment: One 25 mg dose of psilocybin, accompanied by therapist-guided psychological support before, during, and after the experience
- Results after 2 years:
- 15 patients (53.6%) had a significant reduction in depression
- 14 patients (50%) achieved sustained remission from depression
- 12 patients (42.9%) experienced long-term anxiety reduction
🧪 Current and Future Research
An ongoing randomised, double-blind trial is evaluating up to two doses of psilocybin versus placebo to determine whether repeat dosing can increase the proportion of patients achieving full remission.
Dr. Manish Agrawal, lead author and oncologist at Sunstone Therapies, stated:
“One dose of psilocybin with psychological support has a long-term positive impact… We’re exploring whether repeating the treatment resolves depression for more than half of the patients.”
🧠Why This Matters:
- Depression and anxiety are common in cancer patients, often severely affecting quality of life.
- Traditional antidepressants can take weeks to work and may not be effective for all patients.
- Psilocybin offers fast-acting, durable relief, potentially revolutionizing mental health care for cancer patients.
🌱 What’s Next?
- Expansion into larger trials with multiple dosing strategies
- Hope for regulatory approval and integration into mainstream cancer care
- Exploration of psychedelics as a new standard of care in oncology-based mental health treatment
If these promising results are confirmed in larger studies, psilocybin-assisted therapy could emerge as a transformative approach in supporting the emotional well-being of people living with cancer.
