Consciousness and cognition
July 1, 2014
Michael J Mackenzie, Linda E Carlson, David M Paskevich et al.
38 citations
A single yoga session for female cancer survivors was linked to steady increases in focused attention and positive mood, while changes in heart activity matched the intensity of each yoga sequence. Shifts in attention and mood were predicted by concurrent cardiac activity. Participants reported that awareness of breathing, physical movement, and increased relaxation were possible reasons for yoga's benefits. Yoga may work mainly as a meditative method for regulating attention and affect, distinct from exercise or relaxation alone.
Current Oncology
June 30, 2025
Haley D M Schuman, Chantal Savard, Raèf Mina et al.
9 citations
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 placebo-controlled randomized trials and 4 open-label studies found that psychedelic-assisted therapy with psilocybin or ketamine can reduce depression and anxiety in adults with cancer. Meta-analysis of four ketamine trials (354 participants) showed a large, rapid effect on depression and anxiety. Three psilocybin trials (101 participants) also showed a large effect on depression, though with wide variability. Non-randomized studies of MDMA and LSD suggested promise but were less rigorous. The authors conclude that psychedelic-assisted therapy may offer meaningful relief for cancer-related distress, but effects vary by therapeutic model and context, and more oncology-specific trials are needed.
Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
June 12, 2025
Linda E Carlson, Jennifer M Jones, Devesh Oberoi et al.
4 citations
A large pragmatic trial compared two mind-body interventions—Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) and Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ)—for distressed cancer survivors. Participants could choose their preferred program or be randomly assigned; all were also randomized to immediate intervention or a waitlist. Among 587 participants (average age 60.7, 75% female, mostly breast cancer survivors), both MBCR and TCQ groups improved more than waitlist controls on total mood disturbance, with small to medium effects. Choosing a program or being randomly assigned did not affect outcomes. The largest improvements were in tension, anger, and vigor for MBCR, and anger, depression, and vigor for TCQ.
The oncologist
January 17, 2025
Cristiane Decat Bergerot, Paulo Gustavo Bergerot, Errol J Philip et al.
4 citations
A mindfulness app intervention for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) on immunotherapy is feasible and acceptable. Among 50 patients from Brazil and the United States, 96% completed the week 4 assessment, and 75% reported high adherence to daily 20-30 minute app activities. Significant improvements occurred in emotional symptoms, fatigue, and quality of life from baseline to post-intervention. The smartphone-based approach received positive feedback, suggesting it may offer accessible psychosocial support for this population.
Integrative cancer therapies
January 1, 2025
Haley D M Schuman, Sofia Barkova, Raèf Mina et al.
2 citations
People with cancer often experience deep existential distress that standard psychosocial care does not adequately address. In this qualitative study, 15 participants with various cancer types and stages shared their views on psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) as a possible way to relieve psychosocial suffering, especially existential and emotional distress. Four main themes emerged: cautious optimism and differing attitudes toward specific psychedelics; the influence of relationships, stigma, and cultural framing; structural barriers like cost, legality, and unequal access; and the cancer context itself, where unmet needs for existential and spiritual support are common, particularly after active treatment or at advanced stages. Participants saw PAT as a potential adjunct to conventional care but raised concerns about safety, access, and stigma, highlighting the need for equitable, patient-informed implementation.
Seminars in radiation oncology
July 1, 2026
Hanna S W Conradi, Jamie N Petersson, Julie M Deleemans et al.
1 citation
Many people with cancer experience persistent psychological and physical challenges such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, sleep problems, fear of recurrence, cognitive issues, and reduced quality of life. Mind-body interventions, which target the connection between mental and physical processes, are increasingly used alongside standard cancer care. This review examines evidence for interventions including mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, qigong, relaxation, hypnosis, music therapy, acupuncture, massage, and aromatherapy, as well as emerging approaches like psychedelic therapy and nature-based interventions. It summarizes target symptoms, treatment timing, and evidence quality, and calls for more rigorous research, understanding of mechanisms, and broader access across diverse populations and all stages of cancer care.
Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.)
December 22, 2025
Linda E Carlson, Harriet Richardson, Ron Shore et al.
1 citation
The CAnadian Network for Psychedelic-Assisted Cancer Therapy (CAN-PACT), launched in 2025, aims to address demoralization syndrome and psychosocial distress in Canadians with cancer. The network has six objectives: building a national interdisciplinary network, setting research priorities through stakeholder engagement, developing training for clinicians and researchers, pilot-testing intervention procedures, conducting a multi-center randomized controlled trial of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) for advanced cancer, and informing healthcare policy. CAN-PACT seeks to generate Canadian evidence and prepare the oncology system for equitable access to safe, evidence-based PAT in publicly funded cancer centers.
Global advances in integrative medicine and health
January 1, 2026
Haley D M Schuman, Raèf Mina, Sofia Barkova et al.
Healthcare providers in Canada hold cautious to supportive views on psychedelic-assisted therapy, with ketamine pragmatically accepted for its rapid effects but raising concerns about commercialization, psilocybin seen as promising for end-of-life existential distress yet viewed with mixed feelings, and MDMA considered useful for trauma but constrained by neurotoxicity worries and regulatory barriers. An ethical tension emerged between access to medical assistance in dying and restrictions on psychedelic-assisted therapy in end-of-life care, highlighting policy inconsistencies. Providers emphasized the need for substance-specific guidelines, interdisciplinary education, and evidence-informed regulatory reform.
Psycho-oncology
November 1, 2025
Marie-Estelle Gaignard, Dominica Martin, Jelena Stanic et al.
An online mindfulness program for women with breast or gynecological cancer reduced depression with a medium effect size compared to a control group, though other psychological measures like anxiety, spiritual well-being, and post-traumatic growth showed only favorable trends without statistical significance. At three months, most effects diminished. Qualitative interviews revealed four themes: a safe environment, skill acquisition, enhanced well-being, and exposure to cancer memories. The latter prompted beneficial inner work for most but was deeply challenging for four participants. The program fostered self-exploration and self-efficacy, but challenging experiences also emerged.