Psilocybin-assisted group therapy in patients with cancer diagnosed with a major depressive disorder

This Phase II, open-label trial (n=30) assessed psilocybin-assisted therapy (25mg) for patients with cancer and depression (MDD) with individual and group therapeutic support. The study reported no serious adverse events and suggested efficacy with a significant reduction in depression severity by week 8. Notably, 80% of participants had a sustained response, and 50% achieved full remission of depressive symptoms at week 1, maintained for eight weeks. The study highlights the safety and feasibility of psilocybin-assisted therapy in a group cohort.

Abstract of Psilocybin-assisted group therapy in patients with cancer diagnosed with a major depressive disorder

“Background Depression is common in patients with cancer and is associated with lower treatment adherence and reduced quality of life. Antidepressants and psychotherapy have limited success in improving depression among patients with cancer. This study explored the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy in patients with cancer and major depressive disorder.

Methods This phase 2, open-label trial enrolled patients with curable and noncurable cancer and major depressive disorder at a single community oncology practice site. A single 25-mg dose of psilocybin was administered simultaneously to cohorts of three to four participants with individual (4.25 hours in 1:1 therapist-to-patient ratio) and group therapeutic support (3.75 hours) before, during, and after psilocybin administration. Outcomes included depression severity, anxiety, pain, demoralization, and disability.

Results Thirty participants completed the study. No psilocybin-related serious adverse events occurred; treatment-related adverse events (e.g., nausea, headache) were generally mild and expected. There were no laboratory or electrocardiogram abnormalities. No suicidality was reported. Efficacy was suggested with a robust reduction in depression severity scores from baseline to posttreatment of 19.1 points (95% CI, 22.3 to –16.0; p < .0001) by week 8. Eighty percent of participants demonstrated a sustained response to psilocybin treatment; 50% showed full remission of depressive symptoms at week 1, which was sustained for 8 weeks.

Conclusions Psilocybin-assisted therapy in group cohort administration was safe and feasible in patients with cancer and depression. Efficacy was suggested based on clinically meaningful reductions in depressive symptoms. The novel, group-oriented format, compact delivery time, community cancer center setting, and one-to-one therapist-to-patient ratio could also add to therapeutic gains and efficiency of administration.”

Authors: Manish Agrawal, William A. Richards, Yvan Beaussant, Sarah Shnayder, Rezvan Ameli, Kimberly Roddy, Norma Stevens, Brian B. Richards, Nick Schor, Heather Honstein, Betsy Jenkins, Mark Bates, Paul Thambi

Summary of Psilocybin-assisted group therapy in patients with cancer diagnosed with a major depressive disorder