The psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms has been found to reduce symptoms of depression in people with cancer, according to a trial.
More than half of patients (57 per cent) who received with a single dose of 25mg of psilocybin were in remission from depression 18 months later, researchers found.
The phase II trial, conducted by research firms COMPASS Pathways and Sunstone Therapies, involved 30 patients with both incurable and curable cancer and major depressive disorder.
Patients were treated with a single dose of 25mg psilocybin, administered in group cohorts of 3-4, with group and individual psychological support. They were then evaluated at 8 weeks and 18 months.
Of the 28 patients enrolled in the follow-up study, 16 demonstrated remission of depression at 18 months.
Nearly two-thirds (64.2 per cent) demonstrated a “sustained clinical response”, meaning they saw their symptoms reduced.
Dr Manish Agrawal, Chief Executive Officer at Sunstone Therapies, and the trial’s principal investigator, said: “This pioneering study is the first of its kind, conducted within a community hospital cancer center.
“The results show significant improvement in these patients’ depression symptoms long-term and, if replicated in larger studies, could open the door to a wider and faster adoption of psilocybin therapy in the future.”
Dr Guy Goodwin, chief medical officer at COMPASS Pathways, said the results were “extremely encouraging” and demonstrated the “potential durability” of psilocybin therapy.
COMPASS Pathways is also currently assessing the efficacy of psilocybin in treatment-resistant depression in a Phase III trial.
Scientists believe that psilocybin can help to alleviate symptoms of mental illness as it can trigger positive biological changes in the brain. It is thought that psilocybin could help brain cells reorganise their structure and function in a way that helps them to connect better.
The Government’s former chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance on Sunday suggested that more extensive testing of ecstasy and LSD is needed to combat depression.
Sir Patrick said it was “shocking” how few patients were currently involved in clinical trials.
Speaking at the Hay Festival in Wales, he said: “There is a lot of enthusiasm around psychedelics at the moment. Some of that is pretty anecdotal.
“Why don't we stop it being anecdotal and actually work it out properly?
“Healthcare systems can be much more geared towards asking the questions, testing the things properly, getting the answers as quickly as possible.”
