A single psychedelic therapy session may offer more than just a temporary escape—it could provide years of emotional relief. According to a recent study published in CANCER, a journal of the American Cancer Society, one 25-milligram dose of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in “magic mushrooms,” helped cancer patients experience long-term relief from depression and anxiety.
The phase 2 trial included 28 participants with cancer and major depressive disorder. Each received therapeutic support before, during, and after their psilocybin session. The results were remarkable: two years later, over half of the patients (53.6%) still showed a significant reduction in depression symptoms. Half (50%) were in full remission. Anxiety also dropped notably for nearly 43% of participants.
Lead author Dr. Manish Agrawal of Sunstone Therapies noted, “One dose of psilocybin with psychological support has a long-term positive impact on relieving depression for a substantial portion of cancer patients.”
While these results are promising, researchers aren’t stopping there. A larger randomized, double-blind trial is now underway, testing up to two doses of psilocybin against a placebo to see if more sessions can bring even more patients into remission.
For people battling both cancer and the weight of depression, psilocybin-assisted therapy may open the door to lasting hope. If future studies continue to show such durable outcomes, this approach could soon reshape how we treat emotional suffering in serious illness, offering not just coping, but deep, enduring relief.
