Long‐term benefits of single‐dose psilocybin in depressed patients with cancer
Manish Agrawal, Kim Roddy, Betsy Jenkins, Celia Leeks, Ezekiel Emanuel
Cancer June 15, 2025 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35889 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Phase 2 trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | Patients with cancer and a major depressive disorder |
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Dose | 25 mg |
| Duration | 2-year follow-up |
| Topics | Depression Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Psilocybin therapy Cancer depression treatment Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy Long-term antidepressant relief |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | A single 25 mg dose of psilocybin combined with psychotherapy produced sustained reductions in depression and anxiety in cancer patients at two-year follow-up. |
Abstract
Abstract Background Patients with cancer often struggle with depression, which can negatively impact quality of life as well as be challenging to manage.
Methods: A phase 2 trial was conducted that demonstrated safety, feasibility, and efficacy of a single dose of psilocybin combined with psychological support in a community cancer setting in 30 patients with cancer and a major depressive disorder. Here, efficacy outcomes at 2 years’ follow‐up are reported.
Results: Of 28 patients, 15 (53.6%) demonstrated significant reduction in depression as measured by the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (average, –15.0 points from baseline; p < .001), and 14 (50%) had sustained depression reduction. Thirteen patients (46.4%) experienced significant reduction in anxiety as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (average, –13.9 points from baseline, p < .001), and 12 (42.9%) had sustained anxiety reduction.
Conclusions: These findings demonstrate robust antidepressive activity from a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin combined with psychotherapy and suggest a potentially paradigm‐changing alternative to traditional antidepressants requiring further study.