Psilocybin for Cancer

Psilocybin for Cancer: What It Is and How It May Help

Author

Nancy Hepp, MS

past Lead Researcher

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Ms. Hepp is a researcher and communicator who has been writing and editing educational content on varied health topics for more than 20 years. She serves as lead researcher and writer for CancerChoices and also served as the first program manager. Her graduate work in research and cognitive psychology, her master’s degree in instructional design, and her certificate in web design have all guided her in writing and presenting information for a wide variety of audiences and uses. Nancy’s service as faculty development coordinator in the Department of Family Medicine at Wright State University also provided experience in medical research, plus insights into medical education and medical care from the professional’s perspective.

Nancy Hepp, MS past Lead Researcher

Clinical reviewers

Laura Pole, MSN, RN, OCNS

Senior Clinical Consultant

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Laura Pole is senior clinical consultant for CancerChoices. Laura is an oncology clinical nurse specialist who has been providing integrative oncology clinical care, navigation, consultation, and education services for over 40 years. She is the co-creator and co-coordinator of the Integrative Oncology Navigation Training at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts in Washington, DC. Laura also manages the “Media Watch Cancer News That You Can Use” listserv for Smith Center/Commonweal. In her role as a palliative care educator and consultant, Laura has served as statewide Respecting Choices Faculty for the Virginia POST (Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment) Collaborative as well as provided statewide professional education on palliative and end-of-life care for the Virginia Association for Hospices and Palliative Care.

For CancerChoices, Laura curates content and research, networks with clinical and organizational partners, brings awareness and education of integrative oncology at professional and patient conferences and programs, and translates research into information relevant to the patient experience as well as clinical practice.

Laura sees her work with CancerChoices as a perfect alignment of all her passions, knowledge and skills in integrative oncology care. She is honored to serve you.

Laura Pole, MSN, RN, OCNS Senior Clinical Consultant

Jennifer Bires, LICSW, OSW-C

CancerChoices Advisor

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Jennifer Bires, LICSW, OSW-C was recently the executive director of the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts in Washington, DC. She is a rising star in the psycho-oncology field with almost a decade of experience as an oncology social worker, most recently at George Washington University in DC where she helped create the cancer support program. During her tenure at GWU she created a number of deep and impactful programs for families, young adults, and patients and helped to ensure program success by defining and tracking outcomes. Jennifer received the 2017 Oncology Social Worker of The Year Award from the Association of Oncology Social Workers.

Jennifer Bires, LICSW, OSW-C CancerChoices Advisor

Psilocybin for cancer: what you need to know

• Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by many species of mushrooms.
• Psilocybin is a controlled substance in many countries. In the US, legal access is mainly through clinical trials, though it has been decriminalized or legalized in a small number of cities or states.
• Studies show psilocybin may help manage anxiety and depression among people with cancer, especially end-of-life anxiety.
• Due to the possibility of psychological and other side effects, psilocybin use in the context of medical/psychiatric support and therapy is advised.
• This is not a standalone treatment for cancer; it is a complementary therapy used alongside standard medical care to support treatment and/or well-being.

What is psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by many species of mushrooms, which are commonly called “magic mushrooms.” As a controlled substance in many countries, psilocybin can be obtained legally only in a few countries and some individual states or cities. It has a high safety profile, although medical supervision during use is advised. 

Psilocybin has been studied for managing anxiety and depression among people with cancer, especially end-of-life anxiety. It shows substantial and lasting benefits from a single dose. Legal access currently is mainly through clinical trials, although Oregon and Colorado have systems for legalized, supervised use.

Safety

• Supervision by a medical professional is essential
• Contraindicated for individuals with psychiatric disorders
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid psilocybin
• Known interactions, consult with your healthcare provider before adding to your regimen

See full safety details, side effects & drug interactions →

How psilocybin may help people with cancer

Strength of evidence rating

We rate the strength of the evidence with 0=no evidence, 1=weak evidence, 2=modest evidence, and 3=good evidence. Read more about our method in detail here ›

Optimizing your body terrain

We could not find any published research investigating psilocybin’s use to manage body terrain factors.

Reducing cancer risk or recurrence

We could not find any published research investigating psilocybin’s use for reducing risk of cancer or recurrence.

See the full evidence summary ›

Affordability and access

Where to find it

• Psilocybin’s availability varies by country. It is listed as a Schedule 1 controlled substance in the USA, although it has been decriminalized or legalized in a small number of cities or states. See Legal status of psilocybin mushrooms › on Wikipedia.
• The Oregon Health Authority has information on accessing psilocybin services in Oregon. 
• The Survivorship Collective, a nonprofit organization, connects the cancer community to informed, state-regulated, legal, and facilitated psilocybin therapy in a supportive group setting. 
• Access outside of the places that have decriminalized or legalized use is mainly through clinical trials. Find clinical trials involving psilocybin ›

Affordability

• News articles have found that a psilocybin session costs $2000 or more at licensed facilities in Oregon.⁴Stringer G. Oregon’s legal psilocybin clinics draw hundreds—mostly from out of state. Oregon Public Broadcasting. November 29, 2023. Viewed August 5, 2024; Selsky A. Oregon launches legal psilocybin access amid high demand and hopes for improved mental health care. Associated Press. September 15, 2023. Viewed October 24, 2024.
• Psilocybin is not covered by insurance.

Find an integrative provider ›

FAQs

• Can psilocybin help fight cancer?
  There are no published studies investigating whether psilocybin helps fight cancer.
• Can psilocybin help with cancer side effects?
  Many studies show that psilocybin may help people with cancer manage anxiety (especially end-of-life anxiety), depression, and/or psychiatric distress.
• Can psilocybin cause side effects?
  Side effects reported in studies include cardiovascular effects, nausea, headaches, and decreased concentration or appetite. Psychological side effects are possible and psilocybin use in the context of medical/psychiatric support and therapy is advised.
• Does psilocybin support immune function in cancer patients?
  There are no studies investigating whether psilocybin affects immune function.
• Can psilocybin reduce inflammation in cancer patients?
  There are no studies investigating whether psilocybin affects inflammation in cancer patients.

Explore our blog posts about psilocybin and psychedelics

• Anne Hamilton, Founder of Survivorship Collective, Psilocybin-assisted Therapy Retreats for Cancer Survivors ›
• Symington Cancer Conference Spotlight: The Role of Psychedelics in Oncology Care, Jennifer Bires ›

Read more about supplements and therapies

• Sourcing Quality Herbs & Supplements ›
• Supplement and Therapies Database ›

Whole person cancer care resources