Single dose of psilocybin found to treat depression and anxiety in cancer patients

A clinical trial has found that a dose of psilocybin brings sustained reductions in depression and anxiety in cancer patients. The psychedelic compound from “magic” mushrooms could be repeated to treat depression in patients, suggest researchers.  

Published in American Cancer Society, the study reveals that many people with cancer suffer from depression, which is why in the phase two trial, 28 patients with cancer and major depressive disorder were given a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin. They received psychological support from a therapist before, during, and following the dose. 

Two years later in clinical interviews, 15 patients (53.6%) showed a significant reduction in depression, while 14 (50%) had a sustained depression reduction and remission. 

In the same period, psilocybin reduced anxiety for 12 patients (42.9%) after two years.

Wider and extended trial

The findings are part of an ongoing randomized, double-blind trial testing two doses of 25 mg of psilocybin versus a placebo as a possible solution to depression and anxiety in cancer patients. The researchers aim to bring the majority of the patients to recovery from the mental health disorders.

“One dose of psilocybin with psychological support to treat depression has a long-term positive impact on relieving depression for as much as two years for a substantial portion of patients with cancer, and we’re exploring whether repeating the treatment resolves depression for more than half of the patients,” says lead author Manish Agrawal, MD, of Sunstone Therapies. 

“If randomized testing shows similar results, this could lead to greater use of psilocybin to treat depression in patients with cancer.”

Spotlight on psilocybin 

Psilocybin previously showed similar longer-term improvements in depressive symptoms, compared to standard antidepressants, in a separate clinical trial. It has also been seen to temporarily scramble a critical network of brain areas involved in introspective thinking, such as daydreaming and remembering — facilitating neuroplasticity.

Meanwhile, researchers find that access to clandestine psychedelics is growing, as US law enforcement seizure of magic mushrooms grew 369% in five years.

US researchers recently called for better education, tracking, and health system preparedness in response to a substantial increase in poison center calls on psilocybin use. Many are using hallucinogenic drugs without medical supervision for mental health conditions.