At Sunstone Therapies, we believe healing goes deeper than the surface. Cancer affects more than the body—it reshapes identity, relationships, and quality of life.
While traditional oncology focuses on physical treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, many patients continue to struggle with what lies “beneath the iceberg”: the psychological and emotional challenges that cancer brings.
Our mission is to address the whole patient. That’s why we designed the 2Dose Study, an investigator-initiated clinical trial led by our CEO and Principal Investigator, Dr. Manish Agrawal. Building on the groundbreaking results of our first psilocybin-assisted therapy study—published in JAMA Oncology—the 2Dose Study takes the next step in understanding how psychedelic-assisted therapy can improve the lives of people with cancer.
Why This Study Matters
In our initial trial, patients with cancer and depression experienced remarkable outcomes:
- 80% of participants saw their depressive symptoms reduced by more than half.
- 50% achieved complete remission, with depression scores similar to individuals without cancer.
These results highlighted the profound unmet need in oncology care. Many patients who do not identify as “depressed” nonetheless carry significant emotional burdens that often go unspoken. Addressing these symptoms directly has the potential to transform cancer care.
What the 2Dose Study Is Exploring
The 2Dose Study builds on this foundation with two key research questions:
- Is psilocybin more effective than an active placebo (niacin)?
To ensure the results are scientifically rigorous, participants are randomized to receive either psilocybin or niacin. This helps distinguish the therapeutic effect of psilocybin from the impact of group support or expectancy. - Are two doses more effective than one?
After the first psilocybin session, participants are evaluated at eight weeks. Those who continue to experience depressive symptoms are eligible to receive a second dose, allowing us to assess whether additional treatment provides deeper or more sustained benefits
A New Paradigm in Cancer Care
The 2Dose Study welcomes people with all stages of cancer—not just those with advanced disease. As Dr. Agrawal explains, “Even if you have an early-stage cancer and are cured, life isn’t the same anymore. A brush with mortality can be as devastating as facing death itself.”
By focusing on the whole person—not just the tumor—we hope to redefine what supportive oncology care looks like.
Looking Ahead
Psilocybin-assisted therapy represents a novel approach to addressing the hidden burdens of cancer. By investigating whether multiple doses and rigorous placebo controls can enhance outcomes, the 2Dose Study brings us closer to establishing new standards of care in psycho-oncology.
At Sunstone, we believe this work has the potential to transform lives. As Dr. Agrawal shares:
This is one of the most exciting studies we’ve ever done at Sunstone.
It addresses what’s beneath the iceberg—and for many patients,
that’s what matters most.
Hear Dr. Agrawal, 2Dose Study’s PI (Principal Investigator), explain more about the study:
Click here to learn more and inquire about participation in this study:
