Effects of Psilocybin in Advanced-Stage Cancer Patients With Anxiety

A randomised, double-blind, within-subject crossover pilot (n=12) tests single oral psilocybin sessions (0.2 mg/kg) versus an active niacin placebo in people with advanced cancer and clinically significant anxiety.

Each participant undergoes two overnight admissions three to six weeks apart; sessions are approximately six hours. MRI is performed prior to admission to exclude CNS involvement.

Outcomes include measures of anxiety, depression and physical pain; at least two preparatory psychotherapy meetings are provided before dosing, with safety screening including labs, ECG and pregnancy testing where applicable.