The effects of psilocybin on psychological distress in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Reza Moshfeghinia, Sara Mostafavi, Kimia Jazi, Amir Reza Ghasemi, Yasamin Khosravaninezhad, Santhosshi Narayanan, Jamshid Ahmadi, Mehdi Pasalar
BMC Psychology January 2, 2026 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-025-03935-y (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPsilocybin may reduce depressive symptoms in cancer patients, with mixed effects on anxiety and time-dependent improvements in spiritual well-being and, in single-arm data, quality of life. However, due to the small number of studies, high heterogeneity, challenges with blinding and expectancy, and frequent co-intervention with psychotherapy, these findings are preliminary. Larger, rigorously blinded trials are needed to determine clinical effectiveness and safety.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Cancer patients |
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Anxiety Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Psychological distress Cancer Depression economics |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key finding | Psilocybin may reduce depressive symptoms in cancer patients, with mixed effects on anxiety and time-dependent improvements in spiritual well-being and quality of life, but findings are preliminary due to small number of studies, high heterogeneity, and challenges with blinding and co-intervention with psychotherapy. |
Abstract
Psilocybin may reduce depressive symptoms in cancer patients, with mixed effects on anxiety and time-dependent improvements in spiritual well-being and (in single-arm data) quality of life. Given the small number of studies, high heterogeneity, challenges with blinding/expectancy, and frequent co-intervention with psychotherapy, these findings are preliminary. Larger, rigorously blinded trials are needed to determine clinical effectiveness and safety.