Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Brain Cancer Related Existential Distress: A Case-Report

A patient with end-of-life distress from stage 4 astrocytoma received psilocybin-assisted therapy through a special access program and had a positive response without adverse events. Standard treatments for existential distress are often ineffective, and psilocybin-assisted therapy is rarely available, especially for patients with brain cancer. The authors argue that access to this therapy needs to be expanded urgently, as many patients with unresolved existential distress resort to medical assistance in dying without knowing about psilocybin-assisted therapy.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction: Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) has gained traction in palliative care as a treatment for existential distress in the last decade. Patients with brain cancer have been excluded from studies, yet they stand to benefit as much as other patients with cancer-related psychological distress. Case description: In this report, we discuss the case of a patient with end-of-life distress secondary to stage 4 astrocytoma that received PAT through Health Canada's Special Access Program. The patient had a positive response to PAT without adverse events. Discussion: Standard treatment for existential distress is often inefficacious and PAT is rarely available, especially for patients with brain cancer. We highlight the importance of making PAT more available as many patients with unresolved existential distress resort to medical assistance in dying without ever knowing of the existence of PAT. Conclusion: PAT was effective in partially alleviating the patient's existential distress. Access to PAT needs to be expanded urgently.