Journal of Palliative Medicine
April 1, 2020
Yvan Beaussant, Justin J. Sanders, Zachary Sager et al.
39 citations
Experts in serious illness care and psychedelic research hold polarized views on psychedelic-assisted therapies for patients with serious illness, ranging from strong support for medical utility to reluctance due to risks such as delirium or worsening psychological distress. Research priorities focus on patients with clinically diagnosed psychosocial distress like depression, anxiety, or demoralization, though some roles extend beyond traditional medical diagnosis. Essential safety and efficacy guidelines are needed for integrating these therapies into existing care models. The study proposes a conceptual framework for such integration based on interviews with 17 experts from the United States and Canada.
J Palliat Med
April 13, 2021
Yvan Beaussant, James Tulsky, Benjamin Guérin et al.
34 citations
Researchers from palliative care, psychosocial oncology, spiritual care, oncology, and psychedelic-assisted therapies identified seven key opportunities for advancing research on psychedelic-assisted therapy for people with serious illness. Four opportunities relate to science and design: clarifying which conditions the therapy is indicated for, developing and refining therapeutic protocols, investigating how set and setting affect outcomes, and understanding mechanisms of action. Three opportunities concern institutional and societal drivers: education and certification for therapists, regulations and funding, and diversity and inclusion. Participants also noted epistemological limitations of the medical model for understanding psychedelics' therapeutic value.
Cancer
December 18, 2023
Yvan Beaussant, Kabir Nigam, Zachary Sager et al.
22 citations
Patients with cancer and depression who received psilocybin-assisted therapy in a group setting found the approach generally acceptable. The group sessions increased their sense of safety and preparedness, fostered connection and belonging, and deepened the meaning of their experience, opening dimensions of self-transcendence and compassion. Key factors influencing acceptability included the therapeutic framework, the complementary role of individual sessions, and group size and structure. The findings suggest that combining group and individual sessions may enhance perceived safety and efficacy compared to either format alone, offering a scalable model for integrating psilocybin-assisted therapy into cancer care.
Psychiatric Annals
September 1, 2022
Michael Ljuslin, Kabir Nigam, Roxanne Sholevar et al.
4 citations
Anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, and existential distress in seriously ill people often resist existing medical or behavioral interventions. A growing body of evidence suggests the safety and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapies (PATs) to improve these outcomes. As societal norms around the stigma of psychedelic agents shift, interest in integrating these treatment modalities into serious illness care increases. This article describes aspects of serious illness care that might be amenable to PATs, reviews evidence documenting the safety and efficacy of PATs in serious illness care, and highlights opportunities and challenges moving forward.
BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
November 3, 2025
Yvan Beaussant, Zachary Sager, Caitlin W. Brennan et al.
1 citation
A single 25 mg dose of psilocybin, combined with preparation and integration sessions, was safely administered to ten terminally ill home hospice patients. No serious adverse events occurred. Demoralization scores dropped by an average of 8.8 points three weeks after the session, despite patients' ongoing physical decline. Grief and peace themes were common during the drug sessions. Although most participants rated the treatment favorably, some found the emotional intensity challenging. The results suggest that psilocybin-assisted therapy can be feasibly and safely integrated into hospice care, but larger studies are needed to confirm its benefits.
Psychedelic Medicine
October 8, 2025
Elise C. Tarbi, Skye A. Miner, Kabir Nigam et al.
1 citation
Patients with cancer and depression describe their cancer experience as deepening their awareness of mortality and prompting them to reprioritize relationships and efforts. In a trial of psilocybin-assisted group therapy, participants sought not only relief from depression but also a new perspective on existential worries and spiritual resources. After treatment, they reported lasting effects including an enhanced sense of meaning, agency, aliveness, and connectedness, describing the experience as a healing, unfolding transformation. The findings illuminate how psilocybin-assisted therapy may address existential suffering and foster personal growth in this population.
Palliative & Supportive Care
January 1, 2025
Houman Farzin, Brigita Koren, Helen Ferrier et al.
1 citation
A 51-year-old man with metastatic lung cancer and a prognosis of less than 6 months experienced depression and anxiety linked to demoralization and existential distress, which persisted despite psychotherapy and 100 mg of sertraline. Through Health Canada’s Special Access Program, he received 25 mg of oral psilocybin in a homecare setting, with preparative and integrative therapy before and after the session. The treatment was well tolerated, and the patient reported a sustained reduction in suffering and improved well-being at 2 months post-intervention. Psilocybin-assisted therapy may be safely delivered at home and offer lasting relief for anxiety and depression associated with existential distress in palliative care.