Could MDMA help cancer patients and their loved ones cope better?

NCT ID NCT05584826

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Sunstone Medical Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether MDMA (the drug in ecstasy) combined with talk therapy can help cancer patients and their partners who are struggling with adjustment disorder—a condition where they have trouble coping with the cancer diagnosis. Twenty participants (10 patient-partner pairs) will receive two doses of MDMA during therapy sessions over 8 weeks. The goal is to see if this approach reduces distress and improves their relationship.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: MDMA (also known as ecstasy or molly)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new way to help cancer patients and their partners cope with emotional distress and strengthen their relationship.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early-phase trial with only 20 participants, so results may not apply widely. MDMA can cause side effects like anxiety or increased heart rate, and the therapy is intensive.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

adjustment disorder cancer neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ADJUSTMENT DISORDERS CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Sunstone Medical, PC
RECRUITING

Rockville, Maryland, 20850, United States

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