Magic mushroom therapy aims to ease cancer Patients' fear of death

NCT ID NCT05398484

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: NYU Langone Health Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether a single dose of psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) combined with talk therapy can reduce anxiety, depression, and existential distress in people with advanced cancer. Two hundred participants will receive either psilocybin or an active placebo (niacin) along with psychotherapy. The goal is to see if this approach improves emotional well-being and quality of life.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: psilocybin (a psychedelic compound) combined with psychotherapy
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new way to reduce severe anxiety, depression, and fear of death in people with advanced cancer.
What could go wrong: This is an early-to-mid stage trial with only 200 participants. The active placebo (niacin) may not fully blind participants, and psilocybin can cause intense psychological experiences. Results may not apply to all cancer patients.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cancer

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ADVANCED CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

NYU Langone Health
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10016, United States
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus (CU AMC)
RECRUITING

Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States

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