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Psilocybin Plus Psychotherapy Offers Lasting Benefit in Cancer, Depression

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on June 16, 2025.

By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, June 16, 2025 -- For cancer patients with a major depressive disorder, a single dose of psilocybin combined with psychological support can provide sustained relief for depression and anxiety, according to a study published online June 16 in Cancer.

Manish Agrawal, M.D., from Sunstone Therapies in Rockville, Maryland, and colleagues examined efficacy outcomes at two years for patients enrolled in a phase 2 trial that demonstrated safety, feasibility, and efficacy of a single dose of psilocybin combined with psychological support in a community cancer setting involving 30 patients with cancer and a major depressive disorder.

The researchers found that 15 of 28 patients (53.6 percent) had a significant reduction in depression as measured by the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (average, −15.0 points from baseline) and 14 (50 percent) had a sustained reduction in depression. Overall, 13 patients (46.4 percent) experienced a significant reduction in anxiety as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (average, −13.9 points from baseline), and 12 (42.9 percent) experienced a sustained reduction in anxiety.

"One dose of psilocybin with psychological support to treat depression has a long-term positive impact on relieving depression for as much as two years for a substantial portion of patients with cancer, and we're exploring whether repeating the treatment resolves depression for more than half of the patients," Agrawal said in a statement.

Several authors disclosed ties to industry, including Sunstone Therapies.

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Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Posted June 2025

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