"Facing Death. . . Now, That's a Serious Thing to Confront" A Qualitative Analysis of Patient Perspectives on Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for Cancer-Related Psychosocial Symptoms.
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.