Anything that helps: cancer patient and carer perspectives on psychedelic-assisted therapy

Purpose: The potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies (PAT) to address existential distress in cancer populations is attracting increasing attention. However, this novel approach is challenged by stigma, hype, and misconceptions. The current study aimed to investigate the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of advanced cancer patients and carers regarding psychedelics and their potential therapeutic use in treating cancer-related distress.

Methods: Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with cancer patients and carers. Participants needed to be at least 18 years old and either diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and have mild to moderate distress as measured by the General Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire 9, or be caring for someone with advanced cancer. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Primary themes centred around how the perspective of cancer patients and their carers changes at the end of life, and the importance of balancing safety and risk with potential benefits. Participants expressed largely positive views of PAT, recognising that with few available options and often poor quality of life, any intervention offering potential benefit was worthwhile. However, acceptance of PAT was tempered by a desire to minimise risk and concerns about safety.

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that cancer patients and their carers are open to the idea of psychedelic therapies as long as risk is carefully managed. It is important that the perspectives of patients and carers are included in developing PAT interventions given their potential to offer a meaningful option in improving the lives of those with advanced cancer.