Magic mushrooms again? study tests second retreat for cancer anxiety

NCT ID NCT06644170

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

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

Summary

This phase 1 trial tested whether a second psilocybin-assisted group therapy retreat is safe and helpful for anxiety in 15 patients with metastatic cancer who had only a partial response to their first retreat. Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, is given in a group therapy setting to change thinking patterns and reduce anxiety. The study focused on safety and side effects, while also measuring changes in anxiety and depression.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: psilocybin (magic mushroom extract)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a way to ease anxiety and distress in cancer patients who didn't fully benefit from a first psychedelic retreat.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-phase trial with only 15 participants, so results may not apply widely. Psilocybin can cause intense mood changes and anxiety during the session.

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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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