Nearly 40% of people with lung cancer experience depression, and many also face anxiety, hopelessness and questions about mortality after diagnosis. Researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) and the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education (CPDRE) in the College of Social Work (CSW) are leading a clinical trial to test whether psilocybin-assisted therapy can help reduce depression and emotional distress among patients with lung cancer.
An unmet mental health need
This new research addresses a pressing gap in cancer care: Many people with advanced lung cancer are living longer because of treatment advances, but depression, anxiety and distress can still affect daily life, relationships and the ability to cope with treatment.
This is the first study to test psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression specifically in people with lung cancer. The emotional strain can be especially intense for people with lung cancer, yet treatment options for cancer-related depression have changed little as cancer care has improved.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms. In this study, it is given in a carefully controlled medical setting with counseling and support from trained therapists.
"There is growing evidence that psilocybin-assisted therapy may help relieve depression in people with cancer, but no study has focused specifically on patients with lung cancer," said Alan Davis, PhD , co-principal investigator of the study and directs Ohio State's Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education . "This is the first clinical trial designed to determine whether this approach can address the unique psychological challenges faced by this patient population."
"Many patients are diagnosed with advanced disease and are forced to confront questions about their future very quickly," said Theodore Wagener, PhD , co-principal investigator of the study and director of Ohio State's Center for Tobacco Research . Both Wagener and Davis are scientists with the OSUCCC – James Cancer Control Research Program. "Patients may experience anxiety, existential distress, loss of meaning and concerns about their families. Some also carry guilt tied to the stigma that can be associated with lung cancer."
Researchers say these emotional burdens can affect quality of life, daily routines, relationships and how patients experience cancer treatment.
Testing a guided treatment model
During this clinical trial, researchers will measure changes in depression and emotional well-being to learn whether the approach could offer another option for patients facing advanced cancer.
The trial combines psychotherapy with one supervised dose of psilocybin. Participants first complete about eight hours of preparation with two trained therapists. They then receive psilocybin during a daylong treatment session in a comfortable clinical setting, followed by counseling to help them process the experience.
"From the moment patients enter the study, they are paired with two therapists who support them throughout the entire process," Davis said. "The goal is to help participants feel safe, build trust and make sense of their experiences in ways that may improve their well-being."
Researchers also are studying whether psilocybin may affect inflammation, though more research is needed.
Looking beyond the cancer
For study participant Betty Paschall, the therapy was part of a turning point after a devastating diagnosis. Paschall was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and initially felt overwhelmed by depression despite receiving treatment for her cancer.
"I didn't want to live," she said. "It was like I was the walking dead."
After participating in the study, Paschall said she noticed meaningful changes in her outlook and daily life. She began engaging in activities she had stopped doing and found herself reconnecting with the people and experiences that brought her joy.
"My sister and daughter both saw a difference in me," Paschall said. "I started to get back to myself a little more."
Researchers caution that psilocybin-assisted therapy remains experimental and is not appropriate for every patient. Participants undergo careful screening, and treatment is provided only under close medical supervision.
A successful study, investigators say, could help identify which patients are most likely to benefit and lay the groundwork for larger studies aimed at expanding treatment options for cancer-related depression.
"Cancer care has made major advances, but treatment for the depression, anxiety and distress that can come with advanced cancer has not moved as quickly," Wagener said. "We hope this research helps us better support the whole person, not just the cancer."
More Information
Patients interested in being screened to participate in the study should contact Angela Douglas at douglas.496@osu.edu . To learn more about lung cancer treatment at the OSUCCC - James, visit cancer.osu.edu or call 1-800-293-5066.
Randomized controlled/clinical trial
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