Interest in psychedelic agents for psychiatric conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety has grown, especially with the spread of ketamine clinics. However, the evidence is confusing because there are no standard definitions for what psychotherapy means in these treatments. Studies often fail to distinguish between using a manualized psychotherapy, providing general psychological support, or offering therapy specifically to integrate the drug experience. It is also unclear whether the drug works alone or if the psychedelic experience is needed for therapeutic effect.
The CAnadian Network for Psychedelic-Assisted Cancer Therapy (CAN-PACT), launched in 2025, aims to address demoralization syndrome and psychosocial distress in Canadians with cancer. The network has six objectives: building a national interdisciplinary network, setting research priorities through stakeholder engagement, developing training for clinicians and researchers, pilot-testing intervention procedures, conducting a multi-center randomized controlled trial of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) for advanced cancer, and informing healthcare policy. CAN-PACT seeks to generate Canadian evidence and prepare the oncology system for equitable access to safe, evidence-based PAT in publicly funded cancer centers.