The effects of psilocybin on psychological distress in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Psilocybin may reduce depressive symptoms in cancer patients, with mixed effects on anxiety and time-dependent improvements in spiritual well-being and (in single-arm data) quality of life. Given the small number of studies, high heterogeneity, challenges with blinding/expectancy, and frequent co-intervention with psychotherapy, these findings are preliminary. Larger, rigorously blinded trials are needed to determine clinical effectiveness and safety.
Authors
- Sara Mostafavi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5635-8912)
- Santhosshi Narayanan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0591-1500)
- Yasamin Khosravaninezhad
- Amir Reza Ghasemi
- Mehdi Pasalar
- Kimia Jazi
- Jamshid Ahmadi
- Reza Moshfeghinia
Institutions
- Arak University of Medical Sciences (IR)
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (US)
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (IR)
- Hafez Hospital (IR)
- Community Counseling Services (US)
- Faghihi Hospital (IR)
- Qom University of Medical Science and Health Services (IR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMC Psychology
- Published
- 2026-01-02
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03935-y
- Primary Topic
- Psychedelics and Drug Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00