A recent study has revealed that psilocybin-assisted therapy can lead to marked improvements in psycho-social-spiritual well-being among cancer patients suffering from major depressive disorder. The Phase II trial, conducted at a cancer center in Rockville, Maryland, and funded by COMPASS Pathways Ltd, demonstrated sustained benefits across multiple domains of psycho-spiritual health, offering a promising avenue for holistic cancer care.
The open-label trial involved 30 participants diagnosed with both cancer and major depressive disorder. Patients received a fixed dose of 25 mg of psilocybin, combined with group preparation, individual therapy, and integration sessions. Researchers utilized the NIH-HEALS (National Institute of Health, Healing Experiences in All Life Stressors) scale to assess changes in psycho-social-spiritual well-being at baseline, day 1, week 1, week 3, and week 8 following psilocybin therapy.
Significant Improvements in NIH-HEALS Scores
The study found significant improvements in NIH-HEALS scores following psilocybin treatment (p<0.001). All three factors of the NIH-HEALS—Connection, Reflection & Introspection, and Trust & Acceptance—showed positive changes. Specifically, the Connection factor, which measures connection to a higher power and loved ones, increased by an average of 12.7% by week 8 (p = 0.003). The Reflection & Introspection factor, assessing a sense of meaning, purpose, and gratitude, rose by 7.7% by week 8 (p<0.001). Similarly, the Trust & Acceptance factor, measuring the ability to let go of resistance and feel at peace, increased by 22.4% by week 8 (p<0.001).
Psycho-spiritual Factors
"These findings bring a deeper understanding to the psycho-social-spiritual changes that emerge from psilocybin-assisted therapy," the researchers noted. The improvements in Connection, Reflection & Introspection, and Trust & Acceptance suggest that psilocybin therapy can enhance a patient's sense of interconnectedness, meaning in life, and acceptance of their circumstances.
Adverse Events and Safety
The reported adverse events related to psilocybin therapy were generally mild and expected, including headache (80%), nausea (40%), tearfulness (27%), anxiety (23%), euphoria (23%), fatigue (23%), and mild impairment of psychomotor functioning (10%). These effects resolved by the end of the treatment session, with no notable laboratory changes, ECG abnormalities, or suicidality reported.
Implications for Cancer Care
Addressing psycho-spirituality may be particularly important in cancer patients, whose diagnoses can significantly disrupt their lives. Psilocybin therapy offers a potential tool to facilitate transformation by encouraging acceptance of the disease, increasing trust in caregivers, expanding the perspective of self, and deepening a sense of connection to self, others, nature, or a higher power.
Limitations and Future Directions
The study was limited by the lack of a control group, potential for social desirability bias, and a relatively small, homogenous sample. Future studies should include a control arm and a larger, more diverse sample to confirm these findings and enhance generalizability.
Conclusion
Overall, the study supports the use of the NIH-HEALS as a valuable measure in psychedelic research and highlights the potential of psilocybin-assisted therapy to improve psycho-spiritual well-being in cancer patients with depression. By focusing on Connection, Reflection & Introspection, and Trust & Acceptance, this therapy offers a holistic approach to cancer care, addressing the mind, body, and spirit.
