Magic mushroom therapy could help cancer survivors beat depression

NCT ID NCT06801041

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, combined with talk therapy can safely help cancer survivors with depression or anxiety. Twenty adults who have finished cancer treatment and have no brain involvement will receive a single dose of psilocybin in a supervised outpatient setting. Researchers will track side effects and mood changes to see if this approach is feasible and worth studying further.

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 offer a new way to ease depression and anxiety in cancer survivors, improving their quality of life.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 20 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Psilocybin can cause temporary psychological distress or 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.

anxiety anxiety disorder cancer Depression depressive disorder neoplasm

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

  • The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

    RECRUITING

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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

    Contact