Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Brain Cancer Related Existential Distress: A Case-Report
Jean-François Stephan, Sani Karam
Journal of Palliative Medicine September 12, 2024 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2024.0277 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | Patient with stage 4 astrocytoma and end-of-life distress |
| Intervention | Psilocybin-assisted therapy |
| Topics | Psilocybin End-of-life distress |
| Keywords | Distress Cancer Psychotherapist Existentialism Hallucinogen |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin-assisted therapy partially alleviated existential distress in a patient with brain cancer without adverse events. |
Abstract
Introduction: Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) has gained traction in palliative care as a treatment for existential distress in the last decade. Patients with brain cancer have been excluded from studies, yet they stand to benefit as much as other patients with cancer-related psychological distress. Case description: In this report, we discuss the case of a patient with end-of-life distress secondary to stage 4 astrocytoma that received PAT through Health Canada's Special Access Program. The patient had a positive response to PAT without adverse events.
Discussion: Standard treatment for existential distress is often inefficacious and PAT is rarely available, especially for patients with brain cancer. We highlight the importance of making PAT more available as many patients with unresolved existential distress resort to medical assistance in dying without ever knowing of the existence of PAT.
Conclusion: PAT was effective in partially alleviating the patient's existential distress. Access to PAT needs to be expanded urgently.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on end-of-life distress, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjunctive Intranasal Esketamine for Comorbid Treatment-Resistant Depression with Suicidal Ideation in Patients Receiving Palliative Care at a Comprehensive Cancer Center: A Case Series. Patients with cancer, treatment-resistant depression, and suicidal ideation at a... | 2025 | Case series | n = 3 |
| Psychedelic‐assisted therapy for palliative care within a home treatment setting: A case report A patient with throat cancer experiencing significant existential distress | 2024 | Case study | n = 1 |