Cancer

Single-dose psilocybin shows sustained antidepressant effects in cancer patients

June 18, 2025

Study details: This phase 2 open-label trial evaluated the long-term effects of a single 25-mg dose of psilocybin in 30 adults with cancer and major depressive disorder. Thirty participants underwent eight weeks of structured psychotherapy—four sessions before and four after the psilocybin session—to support integration of the psychedelic experience. Mental health outcomes were assessed using validated scales, including the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A).

Results: At two-year follow-up, 53.6% of patients experienced a significant reduction in depression (mean MADRS change: −15.0 points, p < 0.001), and 50% maintained sustained depression reduction. Anxiety symptoms were also significantly reduced in 46.4% of patients (mean HAM-A change: −13.9 points, p < 0.001), with 42.9% showing sustained benefit. The intervention was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported.

Clinical impact: A single psilocybin dose, when paired with psychotherapy, produced robust and enduring antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in cancer patients, potentially offering a paradigm-shifting alternative to traditional antidepressants that require chronic administration. Further large-scale, controlled studies are warranted to confirm these results and inform clinical guidelines.

Source:

Agrawal M, et al. (2025, June 15). Cancer. Long-term benefits of single-dose psilocybin in depressed patients with cancer. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40518804/