Reframing distress in oncology: the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Current opinion in oncology July 1, 2026 Fatima Zohra Moujahid, Olivier Taymans
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) may offer a new approach to address the multidimensional nature of psychological and existential distress common across the cancer trajectory. PAT combines psychedelic compounds with structured psychotherapeutic support, including preparatory sessions, a supervised dosing experience, and post-session integration. Psychedelics are thought to enhance neuroplasticity and emotional flexibility, potentially supporting sustained psychological change. Recent trials in advanced cancer populations report improvements in anxiety, depression, pain-related distress, and quality of life following one or two dosing sessions. However, current evidence is limited by small and demographically narrow samples, variable treatment protocols, and potential expectancy effects, and implementation faces practical challenges such as training requirements and resource intensity.