Long‐term benefits of single‐dose psilocybin in depressed patients with cancer
Cancer – June 15, 2025
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin, a natural compound, offers robust antidepressive activity for cancer patients. In 28 oncology patients with major depressive disorder, 53.6% experienced significant depression reduction (average -15.0 points on a rating scale) for two years. Further, 46.4% saw significant anxiety reduction (average -13.9 points). This medicine provides a promising complementary approach in internal medicine and psychiatry, demonstrating how psychedelics can enhance quality of life, potentially transforming mental health care for those facing cancer.
Abstract
Abstract Background Patients with cancer often struggle with depression, which can negatively impact quality of life as well as be challenging to manage. Methods A phase 2 trial was conducted that demonstrated safety, feasibility, and efficacy of a single dose of psilocybin combined with psychological support in a community cancer setting in 30 patients with cancer and a major depressive disorder. Here, efficacy outcomes at 2 years’ follow‐up are reported. Results Of 28 patients, 15 (53.6%) demonstrated significant reduction in depression as measured by the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (average, –15.0 points from baseline; p < .001), and 14 (50%) had sustained depression reduction. Thirteen patients (46.4%) experienced significant reduction in anxiety as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (average, –13.9 points from baseline, p < .001), and 12 (42.9%) had sustained anxiety reduction. Conclusions These findings demonstrate robust antidepressive activity from a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin combined with psychotherapy and suggest a potentially paradigm‐changing alternative to traditional antidepressants requiring further study.