Agrawal M., Emanuel E., Jenkins B., et al. “Long-term Benefits of Single-Dose Psilocybin in Depressed Cancer Patients.” Cancer, June 2025.
Authors
Manish Agrawal, MD, Kim Roddy, MBA, Betsy Jenkins, MS, Celia Leeks, Ezekiel Emanuel, MD, PhD
Originally published in Cancer as Long-term benefits of single-dose psilocybin in depressed patients with cancer
Background
Patients with cancer often struggle with depression, which can negatively impact quality of life as well as be challenging to manage.
Methods
We conducted 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 in 30 cancer patients suffering from major depressive disorder. Here, we report efficacy outcomes at 2 years follow-up.
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<0.001), and 14 (50%) had sustained depression reduction. Thirteen patients (46.4%) experienced signficant reduction in anxiety as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (average -13.9 points from baseline, p<0.001), and 12 (42.9%) had sustained anxiety reduction.
Conclusions
These findings demonstrate robust anti-depressive 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.
Published Date: June 16, 2025