A clinical trial will test whether MDMA-assisted therapy can reduce anxiety and depression in people with advanced-stage cancer. Up to 32 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either 120 mg of MDMA (with an optional 60 mg supplement) or a low dose of methylphenidate as a psychoactive control, each combined with therapeutic support sessions. The study will track mood, anxiety, quality of life, and other measures for up to 12 months. This research aims to establish the safety and effectiveness of a novel treatment for mental suffering in patients with life-threatening illness.
In people with life-threatening illness, psychedelic-assisted therapy may reduce distress, depression, and anxiety by improving attitudes toward life, death, and spirituality. A systematic review of 14 studies found that symptom improvements were linked to reduced demoralization and hopelessness, greater death acceptance, increased optimism, a stronger sense of meaningful existence, and enhanced spirituality. Mixed results appeared for other life and death attitudes. The evidence is limited and of variable quality, so findings should be interpreted cautiously.