"Facing Death. . . Now, That's a Serious Thing to Confront" A Qualitative Analysis of Patient Perspectives on Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for Cancer-Related Psychosocial Symptoms.
Haley D M Schuman, Sofia Barkova, Raèf Mina, Julie M Deleemans, Tina Nguyen, Linda E. Carlson
Integrative Cancer Therapies 2025 DOI: 10.1177/15347354251370982 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 15 |
| Population | People living with cancer (varying types and stages) recruited from a national survey |
| Intervention | psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Topics | End-of-life distress Psilocybin Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Psychosocial symptoms Pat Psilocybin therapy Cancer support Oncology support Cancer care Supportive oncology Palliative care Psychological suffering Spiritual distress |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | Participants expressed cautious optimism about psychedelic-assisted therapy as a potential adjunct to address existential and emotional distress in cancer care, but identified barriers including safety concerns, stigma, cost, legality, and unequal access. |
Abstract
People living with cancer (PLWC) often face profound existential distress that is insufficiently addressed by conventional psychosocial supports. This qualitative study explored PLWC's attitudes, beliefs, and experiences regarding psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) as a novel approach to addressing psychosocial suffering, particularly existential distress. Fifteen participants with varying cancer types and stages were recruited from a national survey. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior. Four key themes were identified: (1) Cautious Optimism and Substance-Specific Attitudes Toward Psychedelics reflected varied knowledge, openness, and perceptions of specific agents; (2) Relational and Societal Influences: Stigma, Support, and Cultural Framing; (3) Structural and Systemic Barriers: Cost, Legality, Provider Attitudes, and Unequal Access; and (4) Cancer Context and Psychosocial Needs: Seeking Relief from Existential and Emotional Distress captured the emotional, spiritual, and existential dimensions of living with and beyond cancer. Participants expressed cautious optimism about PAT, driven by unmet needs in conventional care, particularly after active treatment and at advanced stages of cancer, where existential and spiritual concerns often go unaddressed. PAT was seen as a potential adjunct that could meaningfully engage with suffering beyond symptom management. However, concerns about safety, access, and stigma underscore the need for culturally responsive, patient-informed, and equity-focused implementation strategies. Integrating PAT into oncology will require dismantling structural barriers and shifting toward a model of care that embraces the full human experience of serious illness.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on psilocybin for end-of-life distress, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 39
- 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
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. Pharmacology & Therapeutics May 1, 2019
- Long-term follow-up of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for psychiatric and existential distress in patients with life-threatening cancer Journal of Psychopharmacology January 9, 2020
and 34 more in the library