Review of Psilocybin Use for Depression among Cancer Patients after Approval in Oregon
Val Bellman
Cancers April 27, 2024 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091702 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Psilocybin therapy |
| Topics | Psilocybin Depression |
| Keywords | Legalization |
| Citations | 9 |
| Key findings | Oregon's legalization of psilocybin therapy for depression in terminal illnesses has encountered significant implementation challenges that require addressing regulatory, logistical, and ethical obstacles to ensure equitable access. |
Abstract
Despite the legalization of psilocybin therapy for depression in terminal illnesses such as advanced cancer through Oregon’s Measure 109 in 2020, significant challenges have impeded its implementation. This review synthesizes the empirical data supporting the utilization of psilocybin therapy for addressing cancer-related depression, including an evaluation of its purported benefits and potential adverse effects. It provides a comprehensive examination of therapeutic strategies, dosing regimens, and barriers to ensuring responsible and equitable access. Salient issues explored include the development of ethical protocols, integration within healthcare systems, ensuring statewide availability, resolving legal ambiguities, and defining clinical standards. Oregon’s pioneering role serves as a case study, highlighting the necessity of addressing regulatory, logistical, and ethical obstacles to ensure the establishment of rigorous and equitable psilocybin care models.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin for depression, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| Molecular Mechanisms of Psilocybin and Implications for the Treatment of Depression | 2021 | Review | |
| Registered clinical studies investigating psychedelic drugs for psychiatric disorders. Registered clinical trials on clinicaltrials.gov evaluating psychedelics for... | 2021 | Review | n = 70 |
| Depression, Mindfulness, and Psilocybin: Possible Complementary Effects of Mindfulness Meditation and Psilocybin in the Treatment of Depression. A Review | 2020 | Review | |
| From psychiatry to neurology: Psychedelics as prospective therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders | 2021 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 9
- Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a rapid-acting treatment for cancer-related depression and anxiety: Evidence from a network meta-analysis The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine April 25, 2025
- A Rapid Review of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in the Context of Palliative Care. Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing April 1, 2025
- Sense-Making Around Psilocybin in UK Women Experiencing Cancer-Related Existential Distress: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Qualitative Health Research February 17, 2026
- Psilocybin-assisted therapy for individuals with palliative care needs: A systematic review of safety and efficacy Palliative Medicine December 18, 2025
- Psychedelics in Multiple Sclerosis: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Prospects for Neuroimmune Modulation and Repair. Cells November 26, 2025
and 4 more in the library
Cites 83
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: six-month follow-up. Psychopharmacology November 8, 2017
- Patients’ Accounts of Increased “Connectedness” and “Acceptance” After Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression Journal of Humanistic Psychology June 19, 2017
- Increased global integration in the brain after psilocybin therapy for depression. Nature Medicine April 11, 2022
and 78 more in the library