Study: Psilocybin May Ease Emotional Suffering for Terminal Brain Cancer Patients

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A new case report published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine reveals the potential of psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) to provide relief for patients with terminal brain cancer facing existential distress.

Dried psilocybin mushrooms in a bowl.

Conducted at McGill University, the study follows a patient with stage 4 astrocytoma who, after conventional treatments failed, found significant psychological relief through PAT—without any negative side effects. Researchers claim this treatment approach could offer a transformative option for those struggling with the emotional toll of a terminal diagnosis.

Traditional therapies had been ineffective in alleviating the patient’s psychological suffering, notes the study. However, after receiving psilocybin-assisted therapy, the patient experienced significant relief from their existential distress without adverse effects. This is a notable finding, as patients with brain cancer have typically been excluded from similar studies.

The researchers highlight the need for broader access to PAT, especially for those facing terminal illnesses and psychological distress. Currently, many patients turn to medical assistance in dying without being aware that psilocybin therapy may offer relief. The report suggests that PAT could provide a vital alternative to those who have not found comfort in conventional treatments.

The study’s full abstract can be found below:

Introduction: Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) has gained traction in palliative care as a treatment for existential distress in the last decade. Patients with brain cancer have been excluded from studies, yet they stand to benefit as much as other patients with cancer-related psychological distress.

Case description: In this report, we discuss the case of a patient with end-of-life distress secondary to stage 4 astrocytoma that received PAT through Health Canada’s Special Access Program. The patient had a positive response to PAT without adverse events.

Discussion: Standard treatment for existential distress is often inefficacious and PAT is rarely available, especially for patients with brain cancer. We highlight the importance of making PAT more available as many patients with unresolved existential distress resort to medical assistance in dying without ever knowing of the existence of PAT.

Conclusion: PAT was effective in partially alleviating the patient’s existential distress. Access to PAT needs to be expanded urgently.

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