Magic mushroom compound may ease despair in advanced cancer patients

NCT ID NCT06818994

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

Summary

This pilot study tests whether psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) combined with talk therapy can safely reduce demoralization in people with advanced cancer. Fifteen participants aged 18-70 will receive one 25 mg dose of psilocybin during an 8-hour supervised session, plus several therapy sessions before and after. The study measures changes in demoralization, depression, anxiety, and safety.

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)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new treatment for demoralization in advanced cancer patients, improving their mental well-being.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early-phase pilot study with only 15 people, so results may not apply broadly. Psilocybin can cause intense psychological experiences and side effects.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Queen's University

    RECRUITING

    Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••