Hoping to improve the quality of life for individuals with late-stage cancer, Dr. Jim Grigsby, a psychology professor at the University of Colorado (CU), is leading a federally funded study exploring the therapeutic potential of psilocybin. This study, a collaboration between CU and New York University, seeks to investigate the effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy on patients with stage three and four cancer, focusing on alleviating the psychological distress that often accompanies terminal diagnoses.
Goals and scope of the study
The primary aim of Dr. Grigsby’s study is to assess whether psilocybin can reduce “existential distress, to a certain extent, anxiety, depression,” in patients facing the emotional and psychological toll of late-stage cancer. Over the course of several years, Grigsby has navigated the complex legal landscape to secure federal approval and funding from the National Cancer Institute, marking a significant milestone in psychedelic research.
The study plans to enroll 100 cancer patients who will receive either a dose of psilocybin or a placebo, administered under the close supervision of two therapists. These sessions, lasting six to seven hours, will be followed by several months of observation to gauge the long-term effects of the therapy. The study’s design is informed by previous research on the use of psychedelics, including a notable 1960s study by researcher Eric Kast, which demonstrated LSD’s potential in improving mood and managing pain in terminal cancer patients.
How psilocybin-assisted therapy works
Psilocybin-assisted therapy involves administering the psychedelic compound in a controlled environment, typically under the guidance of trained therapists. The therapy session is structured to support the patient through the intense experiences induced by the drug. Psilocybin acts on serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perceptions and consciousness, which can facilitate deep introspection and emotional release.
For cancer patients, the psychological burden of a terminal diagnosis can be overwhelming, manifesting in chronic anxiety, depression, and existential despair. Traditional antidepressants and anxiolytics often fall short in addressing these deep-seated emotional issues. Psilocybin, however, has shown promise in providing a rapid and sustained reduction in these symptoms.
According to a comprehensive literature review published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, psychedelics have been associated with significant reductions in anxiety and depression scores in cancer patients, with benefits that can last from six months to a year after just a few sessions.
Potential benefits and future implications
The potential benefits of psilocybin-assisted therapy for late-stage cancer patients extend beyond symptom relief. By confronting the fear of death and the existential distress that accompanies it, patients may experience a profound shift in their perception of their illness and mortality. This shift can lead to a greater sense of peace, acceptance, and overall well-being in their remaining time.
The implications of this study are far-reaching. If the results confirm the therapeutic value of psilocybin for cancer patients, it could pave the way for broader acceptance and integration of psychedelic therapy into mainstream oncology care. This could also inspire further research into the use of psychedelics for other conditions that involve severe psychological distress, such as PTSD or chronic pain.
The success of this study could support the efforts of institutions like the University of Colorado in establishing dedicated research centers for psychedelics and other emerging therapies. As societal attitudes toward psychedelics continue to evolve, driven in part by states like Colorado, which legalized psilocybin in 2022, the medical community may increasingly embrace these substances as valuable tools in the fight against some of the most challenging mental health conditions.
