A rapid review of 34 articles from 2021 to 2024 finds that psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is safe and shows initial efficacy for improving psycho-spiritual-existential outcomes in carefully screened patients with serious illness, predominantly cancer. Psilocybin was the most studied compound. Protocols commonly included participant screening, preparation, dosing, and integration. The review highlights current efforts and challenges in integrating PAT into palliative care systems. More research is needed with diverse samples, provider training, care delivery models, and policy solutions. Many patients lack basic psychosocial-spiritual-existential care, so careful integration is essential. The psychedelic substances discussed are not FDA approved.
A rapid review of 34 articles published between January 2021 and July 2024 synthesizes evidence on psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) in palliative care. Psilocybin was the most studied compound. Results support the safety and initial efficacy of PAT for psycho-spiritual-existential outcomes among carefully screened, highly homogeneous samples of patients with serious illness, predominantly cancer. The review highlights current efforts and challenges in integrating PAT into palliative care systems. Additional work is needed to explore safety and efficacy in more diverse samples, train providers, determine optimal care delivery models, and develop policy solutions for safe and equitable access. The authors argue that careful consideration is required because many patients lack basic psychosocial-spiritual-existential care.