Psilocybin-assisted therapy for distress in advanced cancer
Official title: Psilocybin Therapy for Advanced Cancer-related Psychiatric Distress
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11348885 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant tests whether psilocybin-assisted therapy can reduce anxiety, depression, and existential distress in people with advanced cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 4, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $668,332 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA268521-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11348885 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with advanced or terminal cancer experiencing clinically significant anxiety, depression, or existential distress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without distress or those unable to participate in psilocybin-assisted therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
If you have advanced cancer and feel anxious, depressed, or lacking meaning, this research explores psilocybin-assisted therapy as a potential treatment option. The study builds on earlier, smaller trials that suggested the approach can be safe and may improve mood, meaning, and quality of life. Participants would receive structured psychotherapy alongside controlled psilocybin sessions and follow-up assessments to understand how it affects well-being over time. The goal is to find a treatment that eases suffering and supports hopeful engagement with care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience reduced distress and improved quality of life during a challenging period of illness.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier small studies have shown safety and potential benefits in similar settings, but larger trials are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ross, Stephen — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ross, Stephen
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.