Medical professionals are advocating for the use of active components found in “magic mushrooms” and other psychedelics to alleviate distress experienced by women with advanced-stage cancer.
Traditional approaches to help women suffering from diseases like advanced gynecological cancer include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapeutic methods.
However, these interventions are time-consuming to produce lasting changes and require substantial endurance, according to doctors from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
“Women with gynecologic cancers face both physical and psychological challenges throughout their treatment journey,” stated the doctors in a commentary published in the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer.
“Late-stage cancer, accompanied by a poor prognosis and chronic treatment side effects, often leaves women with existential uncertainty and a constant fear of death,” the authors added.
Referencing a recent case of a young woman with advanced ovarian cancer, the doctors highlighted her overwhelming fear for the future. However, the available options to alleviate her distress were inadequate, considering her limited time and stamina.
The commentary emphasized that up to 25% of ovarian cancer patients report experiencing depression, anxiety, and death anxiety.
“This issue is not exclusive to ovarian cancer; many gynecologic cancers are unfortunately diagnosed in young women, heightening the burden of anxiety and fear, especially due to the potential impact on their children,” the authors noted.
Recent studies have demonstrated the promising effects of psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, in the treatment of various psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and end-of-life distress.
The doctors explained that research on the effects of psychedelics on individuals with different types of cancer has also shown positive outcomes.
Psilocybin has proven to be effective, similar to antidepressants, with minimal or no side effects.
When combined with psychotherapy for just one or two sessions, psilocybin has shown beneficial effects.
An analysis of ten clinical trials revealed that one or two doses of psilocybin can have rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects for up to six months, according to the doctors.
“Concerns about the potential for psilocybin abuse or mental illness have not materialized, and data suggests that its use may actually protect against psychological distress and suicidality,” they stated.
Given the prevalence of distress among ovarian and other gynecological cancer patients, the authors emphasized the urgent need for well-designed protocols prioritizing the safe use of psilocybin and other psychedelics.
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