The need for another tool: Australian healthcare professionals on the use of psilocybin for existential distress in people with cancer
Hannah Adler, Rebecca Filipic, Dr Maria Gonzalez, Ki Kwon, Judith Lacey, Geraldine Mcdonald, Jerome Sarris, Katarzyna Chmiel, Mitchell Low, Justin Sinclair, S Grant
BMC Medicine July 6, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1186/s12916-026-05024-2 via OpenAlex
Summary
Healthcare professionals (HCPs) expressed interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) using psilocybin for treating existential distress in cancer patients, despite recognizing barriers and knowledge gaps. Interviews with 11 HCPs revealed themes around the complexities of PAT implementation, a desire for multidisciplinary approaches, and the need for culturally sensitive delivery. Some HCPs view PAT as a last resort, highlighting the necessity for further research to establish effective and ethical treatment models.
Study at a glance
| Design | qualitative study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 11 |
| Population | healthcare professionals across specialties from cancer treatment centres |
| Key finding | HCPs are interested in the potential of PAT for existential distress but face barriers and advocate for multidisciplinary, culturally sensitive delivery. |
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Existential distress is commonly experienced by people with cancer, yet there are limited treatment options. The therapeutic potential for psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) utilising psilocybin for this cohort is underexplored, with emerging literature showing clinical improvements in wellbeing. In Australia there is limited knowledge on healthcare professionals' (HCPs') attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions of the use of PAT for existential distress in people with cancer, and their opinions on components of delivery. METHODS: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were used to investigate the attitudes of 11 HCPs across specialties, largely from cancer treatment centres such as Chris O'Brien Lifehouse and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four key themes were identified: (1) A spectrum of knowing: The varied space of PAT knowledges, (2) Conceptualising and thinking through PAT in practice, (3) Navigating nuances territory: The complexity of providing and engaging with PAT, (4) Visualising potential future for PAT. Findings from the themes include that despite HCPs remaining interested in the potential of PAT, there are clear barriers being faced, knowledge gaps, and a desire for more research. HCPs also indicated a preference for PAT to be delivered in multidisciplinary teams, and for modes of delivery to be culturally sensitive and ethically rigorous. While some positioned this treatment as a last resort, others noted that there is a need for another 'tool' in the treatment of existential distress in cancer. CONCLUSIONS: As evidence for PAT grows, expanded clinical and qualitative research will be needed to develop delivery models that are ethically sound, culturally sensitive and informed by clinical evidence, as well as traditional knowledges While small in sample size, this present study offers preliminary insights into how HCPs perceive the potential role of PAT in cancer populations, specifically for existential distress. Thus, this study contributes to a growing qualitative evidence base to understand implementation pathways for PAT in oncology settings, and the complexity of managing the need for another tool with existing barriers, limitations, and knowledge bases.