June 16, 2025
A new study conducted by Sunstone Therapies suggests that a single dose of psilocybin, combined with psychological support, can provide sustained relief from depression for some cancer patients.
The study found that at the two-year follow-up:
- 53.6% of patients demonstrated a significant reduction in depression, and
- 50% had sustained depression reduction
- Additionally, 42.9% of patients experienced a sustained reduction in anxiety
The research, led by Sunstone’s CEO and Principal Investigator Manish Agrawal MD, followed 28 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder who received a 25 mg dose of psilocybin.
“While the study was small and has limitations, this preliminary data is important in demonstrating the long-term and sustained impact of psychedelic therapy for cancer patients. We are committed to rigorous clinical research and excited for additional longitudinal studies in the field,” said Dr. Manish Agrawal, the study’s lead author. “We believe long term-data is important in this field to more fully understand the role these medicines can play in existing medical frameworks. Notably, our findings suggest that a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin, combined with psychological support, can produce durable improvements in mental health: at two years, 50% of participants showed sustained reduction in depression, 46.4% experienced significant reduction in anxiety, and 25% achieved lasting benefit without the need for additional psychiatric medication. These results suggest the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy as a novel approach for people facing depression and anxiety in the context of cancer.“
The study, published in Cancer, the Journal of the American Cancer Society, highlights the need for further research to determine the optimal therapeutic approaches with psilocybin, the potential for additional treatments, and the compatibility of psilocybin with other medications. Sunstone’s researchers emphasize the importance of continued clinical trials to fully understand the potential of psilocybin in treating depression and anxiety in cancer patients.
