Peer-Reviewed Studies on Psilocybin and Life-Threatening Illness
Authors: Griffiths et al. (2016), Journal of Psychopharmacology
Summary: High-dose psilocybin led to large reductions in depression, anxiety, and death anxiety in 51 patients with advanced cancer, with effects lasting up to 6 months.
Authors: Ross et al. (2016), Journal of Psychopharmacology
Summary: Significant reductions in anxiety and depression sustained over 6 months in 29 cancer patients.
Psilocybin-assisted group therapy in patients with cancer diagnosed with a major depressive disorder
Authors: Agrawal et al. (2023), JAMA Oncology / Cancer
Summary: Single 25mg dose of psilocybin with group therapy showed high remission rates for major depressive disorder in cancer patients.
Authors: Lapid et al. (2025), Palliative & Supportive Care
Summary: Reviewed 14 studies and found consistent improvements in depression, anxiety, and existential distress.
Authors: Schuman et al. (2025), Current Oncology
Summary: Psilocybin showed large benefits in depression and anxiety among cancer patients.
Authors: Bader et al. (2024), World Journal of Clinical Oncology
Summary: Meta-analysis of 7 studies showing significant improvements in anxiety, pain control, and quality of life.
Additional Ongoing and Related Studies
Pragmatic Trial of Psilocybin Therapy in Palliative Care
Institution: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Summary: A Phase 2, triple-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing psilocybin therapy to ketamine in treating demoralization in adults with life-threatening illnesses. Commenced January 2025, expected to complete December 2027.
Institution: University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
Summary: European collaboration investigating psilocybin therapy for reducing psychological distress in palliative care patients, involving universities in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Uppsala.
Cancer-Related Anxiety and Depression Study
Institution: NYU Langone Medical Center
Summary: 2016 RCT with 51 adults with life-threatening cancer showed a single psilocybin dose significantly reduced anxiety and depression. About 80% reported lasting improvements up to six months.
Cancer-Related Depression and Anxiety Trial
Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Summary: Parallel 2016 study found 80% of participants experienced reduced depression/anxiety; 67% described the session as among the top five most meaningful experiences of their lives.
Late-Stage Cancer Psilocybin Study
Institution: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Link:
Summary: In collaboration with NYU and funded by the National Cancer Institute, this study evaluates psilocybin-assisted therapy for psychiatric and existential distress in late-stage cancer patients.