Mindfulness-based interventions are effective for psychological distress in cancer care, but their Western adoption raises ethical concerns about cultural appropriation of Buddhist wisdom. This paper examines these ethical implications for patients, practitioners, and researchers. It proposes modifications to ensure practitioners understand Buddhist philosophy and transparently communicate the tradition's origins to oncology patients. Recommendations include ethically introducing Buddhist principles, emphasizing clinician education on mindfulness's philosophical foundations—especially 'Right Mindfulness'—and fostering understanding that mindfulness is an ethically informed practice. The paper advocates for shared decision-making and trauma-informed adaptations while respecting the cultural origins and philosophical depth of this ancient practice.
People with cancer or serious illness experience mood disorders and existential distress more often than the general population. Limited pharmacological advances and variable psychological treatments have prompted interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy. A narrative review of five randomized controlled trials published between 2011 and 2020, testing psilocybin, MDMA, or LSD in palliative or oncology settings, found that four of the five showed a significant decrease in anxiety at least at one time point, and three indicated a significant decrease in depression. No serious adverse events related to the drug sessions were reported. Psychedelic-assisted therapy appears to be a promising addition or complement to existing treatments for depression, anxiety, and existential distress in this population.