Psilocybin Therapy for Patients With Cancer and Major Depression Disorder

"A total of 30 participants were enrolled and completed the study per protocol; the attrition rate was 0%. The mean (SD) age was 56 (12) years with 9 (30%) men and 21 (70%) women (Table). Fourteen (47%) participants had curable cancers, while 16 (53%) had noncurable cancers. Half of the sample reported previous antidepressant drug therapy (n = 15).

"No treatment-related serious adverse events occurred, and there was no suicidality based on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Adverse events were mild or expected and included headache (n = 24), nausea (n = 12), altered mood (n = 8), anxiety (n = 7), and hallucinations (n = 1).

"Efficacy was suggested with a robust reduction in MADRS [Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale] scores from baseline to posttreatment of 19.1 points (95% CI, −22.3 to −16.0 points; P < .001) by week 8. A sustained response was observed in 24 (80%) patients, with 15 (50%) patients showing full remission of depressive symptoms.

"These findings were supported by self-reported measures of depressive symptoms. Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology–Self-Report scores declined by an average of 5.9 (95% CI, −7.2 to −4.6) points, a 48% reduction from baseline to week 8. The Maudsley Visual Analogue Scale showed a change of −46.2 (95% CI, −61.6 to −30.7) points, a 53% decrease in self-rated depression severity."