A NEW survey reveals that nearly half of patients receiving radiation therapy for cancer are open to exploring psychedelic-assisted therapy, spotlighting a growing curiosity about novel approaches to managing cancer-related distress.
The study surveyed 100 adult patients with cancer before, during, or after radiation therapy between May 2023 and August 2024. Researchers found that 43% of participants expressed interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy, 31% opposed it, and 26% remained undecided. Notably, patients with more severe depression, greater spiritual distress, lower quality of life, and more physical pain—common issues in advanced cancer care, were more likely to support the use of psychedelics as a therapeutic tool.
Demographics and personal history also shaped patient views. Interest was more common among younger individuals, men, those with prior diagnoses of anxiety or depression, and those with previous recreational psychedelic use. These findings point to a nuanced landscape in which both clinical symptoms and past experiences influence openness to alternative therapies.
A central takeaway from the study was the role of education. Among those hesitant or uncertain about psychedelic-assisted therapy, 43% cited a lack of information as their primary concern. This highlights a potential opportunity for clinicians and researchers to address misinformation and improve awareness of the emerging evidence base surrounding psychedelic treatments.
While psychedelic-assisted therapy remains under investigation, its relevance in oncology and palliative care is gaining momentum. This study adds patient perspectives to the evolving conversation and underscores the need to explore integration pathways that are both evidence-based and sensitive to patient values.
Future research is warranted to better understand provider attitudes, clinical outcomes, and the logistics of safely implementing psychedelic-assisted therapy in cancer care settings.
Reference:
Park J et al. Radiation therapy patients’ interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy: results of a survey. Radiat Oncol. 2025;20(1):114.
