Peer-Reviewed Studies on Psilocybin and Life-Threatening Illness

Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial

Authors: Griffiths et al. (2016), Journal of Psychopharmacology

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27909165/

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.

Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized controlled trial

Authors: Ross et al. (2016), Journal of Psychopharmacology

Link: https://time.com/4586333/psilocybin-cancer-anxiety-depression/

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

Link: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2803623

Summary: Single 25mg dose of psilocybin with group therapy showed high remission rates for major depressive disorder in cancer patients.

Evaluating the effectiveness of psilocybin in alleviating distress among cancer patients: A systematic review

Authors: Lapid et al. (2025), Palliative & Supportive Care

Link: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/palliative-and-supportive-care/article/evaluating-the-effectiveness-of-psilocybin-in-alleviating-distress-among-cancer-patients-a-systematic-review/9982940F834A9D4CC8292632A52FD4D1

Summary: Reviewed 14 studies and found consistent improvements in depression, anxiety, and existential distress.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies for Psychosocial Symptoms in Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Authors: Schuman et al. (2025), Current Oncology

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1718-7729/32/7/380

Summary: Psilocybin showed large benefits in depression and anxiety among cancer patients.

Investigating the therapeutic efficacy of psilocybin in advanced cancer patients: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis

Authors: Bader et al. (2024), World Journal of Clinical Oncology

Link: https://www.wjgnet.com/2218-4333/full/v15/i7/908.htm

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)

Link: https://clinicaltrials.ucsf.edu

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.

PsyPal Project

Institution: University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)

Link: https://umcgresearch.org/w/psypal

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

Link: https://nyulangone.org/news/psychedelic-drug-therapy-may-address-mental-health-concerns-people-cancer-addiction

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

Link: https://hub.jhu.edu/2016/12/01/hallucinogen-treats-cancer-depression-anxiety/

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: https://news.cuanschutz.edu/cancer-center/studying-psychedelics-to-treat-psychiatric-distress-in-late-stage-cancer

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.