A systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 placebo-controlled randomized trials and 4 open-label studies found that psychedelic-assisted therapy with psilocybin or ketamine can reduce depression and anxiety in adults with cancer. Meta-analysis of four ketamine trials (354 participants) showed a large, rapid effect on depression and anxiety. Three psilocybin trials (101 participants) also showed a large effect on depression, though with wide variability. Non-randomized studies of MDMA and LSD suggested promise but were less rigorous. The authors conclude that psychedelic-assisted therapy may offer meaningful relief for cancer-related distress, but effects vary by therapeutic model and context, and more oncology-specific trials are needed.
Women with breast cancer who completed a structured mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program reported that the training helped alleviate hot flashes and night sweats, improve sleep quality, and foster greater ease with their body's external appearance. Participants also valued the group format for providing psychological support and a space to share negative emotional experiences. The study identifies short-term benefits of group-based MBSR for managing menopausal symptoms, sleep disturbance, and body image concerns, while also noting implementation difficulties and coping strategies.
A systematic review of six studies examined whether mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) improves quality of life, anxiety, and depression in women with breast cancer. Two studies found positive impacts on quality of life, while three did not find a positive correlation. Four out of six studies found a positive relation between MBSR and anxiety scores, but only half found positive results for depression. The authors conclude that anxiety can be positively influenced by MBSR, but they call for larger studies with longer observation periods to clarify effects on depression and quality of life.
Scientific and media interest in psychedelics has grown in recent years, but the text does not provide a specific finding, argument, or result to summarize.