Long-term benefits of single-dose psilocybin in depressed patients with cancer
Mené sur 30 patients atteints d'un cancer et présentant des troubles dépressifs sévères, cet essai de phase II évalue l'efficacité, pour réduire les symptômes de dépression et d'anxiété, d'une dose unique de psilocybine en combinaison avec une psychothérapie
Background: atients 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.
Cancer , résumé, 2025