Magic mushroom compound tested to calm cancer anxiety

NCT ID NCT05847686

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Washington Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether psilocybin, a substance from certain mushrooms, given with therapy could safely reduce anxiety and depression in 55 people with metastatic cancer. Participants received counseling and a pharmaceutical-grade psilocybin dose. The trial focused on safety and changes in mood, aiming to see if this approach could help ease emotional distress in advanced illness.

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 pharmaceutical-grade version from psilocybe cubensis mushrooms)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new way to ease anxiety and depression in people with advanced cancer.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial with only 55 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Psilocybin can cause temporary distress during sessions.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hematopoietic and lymphoid cell neoplasm hematopoietic and lymphoid system neoplasm metastatic malignant neoplasm Neoplasm Metastasis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEMATOPOIETIC AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEM NEOPLASM METASTATIC MALIGNANT SOLID NEOPLASM

Contacts and locations

Locations

Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium

Seattle, Washington, 98109, United States

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