Psilocybin trial aims to shield cancer patients from chemo nerve pain

NCT ID NCT07227909

Not yet recruiting Prevention Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Updated 4 times

Summary

This Phase 2 trial tests whether psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, can prevent or lessen chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) in people with breast, colorectal, or head and neck cancer. About 83 participants will receive either psilocybin, a low-dose placebo, or standard care before starting platinum-based or taxane chemotherapy. The study will track side effects and nerve-related symptoms to see if psilocybin offers protection.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: psilocybin
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to prevent nerve damage from chemotherapy, improving quality of life for cancer patients.
What could go wrong: This is a small Phase 2 trial, so results may not be conclusive. Psilocybin can cause temporary psychological effects, and its benefit for nerve prevention is unproven.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer colorectal cancer head and neck cancer peripheral neuropathy chemotherapy-induced neuropathy prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

NEUROPATHY PSILOCYBIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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