About 43% of cancer patients receiving radiation therapy expressed interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), while 31% opposed it and 26% were unsure. Interest was higher among those with prior mental health diagnoses, prior psychedelic use, younger age, and male sex. Patients with greater depression, worse spiritual well-being, demoralization, pain, and lower quality of life were more receptive to PAT. The main reason for hesitancy was lack of information, cited by 43% of those not interested or unsure. The findings suggest that many cancer patients are open to PAT, and that education could reduce barriers to acceptance.
Among 100 cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, 43% expressed interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), 31% opposed it, and 26% were unsure. Interest was higher among those with prior mood disorders, prior recreational psychedelic use, younger age, and male sex. Patients experiencing more depression, worse spiritual well-being, greater demoralization, poorer quality of life, and more pain were more likely to be receptive. The main reason for hesitancy, cited by 43% of those not interested or unsure, was a lack of information. The findings suggest substantial patient openness to PAT, with education needed to address informational barriers.