Reframing distress in oncology: the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Fatima Zohra Moujahid, Olivier Taymans
Current opinion in oncology July 1, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000001242 via PubMed
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) shows promise in addressing cancer-related psychological and existential distress, which often negatively impacts quality of life and treatment adherence. Recent trials indicate that patients with advanced cancer experience reductions in anxiety, depression, and pain-related distress after one or two sessions. However, the current evidence is limited due to small sample sizes and varying treatment protocols, highlighting the need for further rigorous evaluation.
Study at a glance
| Design | review |
|---|---|
| Population | patients with advanced cancer |
| Key finding | Recent trials report improvements in anxiety, depression, and pain-related distress following one or two dosing sessions of psychedelic-assisted therapy. |
Abstract
Psychological and existential distress are common across the cancer trajectory and can impair quality of life, treatment adherence, and family functioning. Although psychosocial and pharmacological interventions provide meaningful support, their overall effects are often modest. This review examines the emerging role of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) as a potential approach to better address the multidimensional nature of cancer-related distress. PAT combines psychedelic compounds with structured psychotherapeutic support and typically includes preparatory sessions, a supervised dosing experience, and post-session integration. Psychedelics are thought to enhance neuroplasticity and emotional flexibility, creating conditions that may support sustained psychological change. Recent trials in advanced cancer populations report improvements in anxiety, depression, pain-related distress, and quality of life following one or two dosing sessions. Current evidence remains limited by small and demographically narrow samples, variable treatment protocols, and potential expectancy effects. Implementation also presents practical challenges, including training requirements, time demands, and resource intensity. Despite these limitations, growing international interest may facilitate further development, supporting the need for careful and rigorous evaluation of PAT as a novel intervention for cancer-related distress.