A proposed trial will test whether adding a low, non-hallucinogenic dose of LSD to meaning-centred psychotherapy (MCP) is feasible for advanced cancer patients with anxiety or depression. Forty participants (20 Māori, 20 non-Māori) will receive seven MCP sessions plus either an LSD microdose (4-20 µg) or a placebo, under double-blind conditions. Outcomes include feasibility, acceptability, safety, and psychological measures at baseline, during treatment, and at one- and six-month follow-ups. The study aims to determine whether a full-scale trial is possible and to provide initial evidence on whether microdosing may enhance psychological care in this population.
Meaning-centered psychotherapy (MCP) is a manualized, brief intervention that enhances meaning and purpose and appears to be a natural therapeutic partner for psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) in patients with cancer and major depressive disorder. In a phase 2 open-label trial, seven patients (ages 53-80) and six therapists (with 9-44 years of experience) participated in surveys and focus groups to adapt MCP for psilocybin. Focus groups highlighted the value of psilocybin experiences, group support, and MCP both separately and together. A 5-session model called MCP-PSIL was developed. The group format was emphasized, though individual MCP may be appropriate in some cases.