Single Dose of Psilocybin Reduces Anxiety and Depression in Cancer Patients for 2 Years, suggests study

Depression is a common and often debilitating challenge for many individuals coping with cancer, and managing these symptoms is frequently complex. Traditional antidepressants may take weeks to be effective and are sometimes poorly tolerated in this patient population. In light of these challenges, researchers are exploring alternative treatments.

Dr. Manish Agrawal and colleagues from Aquilino Cancer Center in Rockville, Maryland, conducted a phase II study to investigate the safety, feasibility, and long-term efficacy of psilocybin—a psychoactive compound derived from certain mushrooms—paired with psychological support. The trial included 30 cancer patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder who received a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin alongside therapy.

The study findings were as follows:

• Two years after treatment, the study showed notable and lasting benefits.
• Among the 28 patients who completed follow-up, 53.6% experienced a significant reduction in depression symptoms.
• The average improvement in depression symptoms was 15 points on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS).
• Half of the patients (50%) maintained this reduction in depression symptoms over the two years.
• Anxiety symptoms also improved, with 46.4% of participants reporting significant reductions.
• The average improvement in anxiety symptoms was nearly 14 points on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale.
• Sustained anxiety relief was observed in approximately 43% of patients.

These findings highlight psilocybin’s potential as a powerful therapeutic option for depression and anxiety in individuals with cancer. “The results demonstrate robust and lasting antidepressant effects from just a single psilocybin dose combined with psychotherapy,” noted the authors. They suggest this approach may offer a groundbreaking alternative to traditional antidepressants, which typically require ongoing use and may carry side effects.

While these results are encouraging, the researchers emphasize the need for larger studies to confirm psilocybin’s role in clinical practice. Future research should also explore the mechanisms by which psilocybin, in combination with psychological support, leads to such long-term mood improvements.

The authors concluded, "With growing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy, the study adds to the emerging evidence that psilocybin could potentially reshape how clinicians approach the treatment of depression and anxiety in cancer patients, offering hope for a faster-acting and longer-lasting solution to an often difficult-to-treat problem."

Reference:

Agrawal, M., Roddy, K., Jenkins, B., Leeks, C., & Emanuel, E. (2025). Long-term benefits of single-dose psilocybin in depressed patients with cancer. Cancer, 131(12), e35889. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.35889