Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies for Psychosocial Symptoms in Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Haley D M Schuman, Chantal Savard, Raèf Mina, Sofia Barkova, Hanna S W Conradi, Julie M Deleemans, Linda E. Carlson
Current Oncology June 30, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol32070380 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Randomized Placebo-controlled Open-label Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 455 |
| Population | Adults with cancer |
| Interventions | Psilocybin Ketamine |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Ketamine Psilocybin Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Psychosocial distress Treatments Cancer cancer Cancer patients Cancer-related |
| Citations | 9 |
| Key findings | Psychedelic-assisted therapy with psilocybin or ketamine may reduce depression and anxiety in adults with cancer, with meta-analyses showing large effects, though variability and limited evidence from non-randomized studies highlight the need for further trials. |
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates (1) the effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) using psilocybin and ketamine for psychosocial symptoms in adults with cancer, (2) contextualizes findings with non-randomized and exploratory studies of other psychedelics, and (3) examines the role of therapeutic frameworks in shaping outcomes. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and EMBASE (2000–2024) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies investigating psychedelic agents in cancer populations. Meta-analyses pooled RCTs of psilocybin or ketamine using random-effects models. Non-randomized studies were synthesized narratively. Risk of bias and evidence certainty were assessed via Cochrane ROB 2.0, NIH Before–After tool, and GRADE. Eleven placebo-controlled RCTs and four single open-label studies were included. Meta-analysis of four ketamine RCTs (n = 354) showed large, rapid effects on depression/anxiety (Hedges’ g = −1.37, 95% CI: −2.66 to −0.08; I2 = 92%). Three psilocybin RCTs (n = 101) showed a large effect of psilocybin on alleviating depression (Hedges’ g = −3.13, 95% CI: −10.04 to 3.77; I2 = 95%). MDMA and LSD trials suggested promise but lacked rigor. PAT may offer meaningful relief for cancer-related distress, though effects vary by therapeutic model and context. Oncology-specific trials are needed to standardize and scale for implementation.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on ketamine and psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 10
- Mind-Body Interventions for People With Cancer: Evidence, Innovation, and Implementation. Seminars in radiation oncology July 1, 2026
- The CAnadian Network for Psychedelic-Assisted Cancer Therapy (CAN-PACT): A Multi-Phase Program Overview. Current Oncology December 22, 2025
- Supporting Meaningful Choices: A Decision Aid for Individuals Facing Existential Distress and Considering Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Healthcare September 12, 2025
- Reframing distress in oncology: the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Current opinion in oncology July 1, 2026
- Bringing Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy to Palliative Oncology: Early Lessons from Real-World Implementation. Healthcare June 3, 2026
and 5 more in the library
Cites 54
- 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 can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: six-month follow-up. Psychopharmacology November 8, 2017
and 49 more in the library