Pharmacy Times’ Four-Part Interview Series with Dr. Manish Agrawal on the Future of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Oncology
July 8, 2025
Co-founder and CEO, Dr. Manish Agrawal, recently shared his expertise and vision for the future of psychedelic-assisted therapy in oncology in a four-part interview series with Pharmacy Times‘ Lead Editor, Alana Hippensteele.
This series offers a nuanced look at the evolving landscape of psychedelic research and its practical application. Dr. Agrawal provides insights for both healthcare professionals and individuals interested in these emerging therapeutic medicines. We invite you to explore each segment of this series:
Interview 1
Clinical Perspectives on Psychedelics in Palliative Oncology
- Key Highlights: In this interview, Dr. Agrawal previews his presentation at the June 2025 Psychedelic Science Conference in Denver. He discusses innovative treatment formats, such as dyadic therapy, which involves treating a cancer patient and a family member with MDMA to address how cancer affects their relationship. He also addresses the critical challenge of capturing meaningful patient outcomes beyond traditional metrics in psychedelic studies. Furthermore, Dr. Agrawal notes the positive and increasing receptivity to psychedelic-assisted therapy within the oncology field.
Interview 2
Psychedelic Group Therapy Expands From Cancer Care to Treat PTSD in the Military
- Key Highlights: This segment focuses on the expanding influence of Sunstone’s pioneering group-based psychedelic therapy model. Dr. Agrawal previews its adaptation for a Department of Defense (DOD) study investigating MDMA for PTSD in active duty military, replicating the group preparation and integration approach used in cancer care. He also shares compelling insights into the long-term benefits of post-trial patient integration groups, which have continued monthly for over three years. The discussion also touches on an increase in institutional interest and collaboration from leading cancer centers in psychedelic research.
Interview 3
Psilocybin, Ketamine, and MDMA in Cancer Care: Next Steps in Psychedelic Research
- Key Highlights: Dr. Agrawal explores the evolving role of pharmacists in psychedelic-assisted therapy. He discusses ongoing efforts to develop standardized protocols for psilocybin and MDMA administration and highlights the emerging involvement of pharmacy teams in patient education and safety monitoring. The interview delves into Sunstone’s extensive experience with MDMA through the Expanded Access program, having conducted over 150 sessions, and comments on the drug’s unique relational properties. Dr. Agrawal also previews an upcoming study directly comparing psilocybin and ketamine in cancer patients.
Interview 4
Integrating Emotional Healing Through Psychedelics Into Everyday Oncology Practice
- Key Highlights: In the final interview of the series, Dr. Agrawal discusses the intentional implementation of psilocybin-assisted therapy within a community cancer setting, making it more accessible to patients where most cancer care already occurs. He shares early evidence from their studies suggesting durable reductions in anxiety and depression following a single psilocybin dose, noting its distinct mechanism of action compared to traditional antidepressants and a threefold efficacy advantage in their small study. The importance of psychological support as a critical component for both maximal benefit and safety is underscored. Dr. Agrawal also explores the pharmacist’s evolving role, particularly in identifying potential drug interactions.
