PSYCHEDELIC-ASSISTED THERAPY

IN

CANCER CARE

Help us understand attitudes toward psychedelic-assisted therapies (PAT) in cancer care among healthcare providers, policy makers, and people living with cancer

Unlock the future of cancer care: Participate in our study today!

Addressing Mental Health Challenges in Cancer Care

Psychosocial symptoms are prevalent among individuals living with cancer, often marked by feelings of helplessness, anxiety, depression, and a profound sense of loss in life's meaning and purpose. These challenges significantly impact the quality of life and can even influence a patient's ability to adhere to cancer treatments. While there is a consensus that support addressing existential concerns should be available throughout the cancer journey, evidence-based treatments for these difficulties remain limited.

Why Psychedelics?

The term 'psychedelics' originates from two Greek roots, psyche (soul, mind) and deloun (manifest, reveal), alluding to the nature of these agents to potentially reveal certain aspects of the mind.

Historically, the use of psychedelic substances can be traced back to various indigenous communities worldwide. In recent times, there has been an increased interest in the potential therapeutic applications of psychedelics in Western medicine. This is, in part, due to emerging clinical research exploring their possible benefits in addressing certain health conditions, such as chronic depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety. This renewed interest highlights the ongoing exploration of diverse treatment options in the realm of modern medicine.

AIMS

  • Three key stakeholder groups—healthcare providers, policy makers, and individuals living with cancer—as well as the essential role of patient partners. We explore how these collective voices contribute to a comprehensive understanding of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) and its potential impact on cancer care.

  • We seek to explore attitudes regarding existing treatments (pharmacological and/or behavioral interventions) for cancer-related psychosocial aymptoms like depression, anxiety, and existential distress.

  • This aim focuses on uncovering beliefs, attitudes, perceived knowledge, experiences, barriers, and preferences related to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies (PATs).

  • We aim to investigate the connections between psychedelic use, anxiety, depression, demoralization, and the knowledge, beliefs, barriers, and preferences of patients.

  • This aim centers on assessing the safety and therapeutic potential of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies (PATs) within the context of cancer-related psychosocial symptoms.

Implications

Understanding the current landscape of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) acceptance and use in people living with cancer is crucial. It can inform the development of targeted training, education, and awareness campaigns. Additionally, this knowledge can highlight potential barriers to the dissemination and accessibility of PAT as a treatment option. Ultimately, our findings will guide the ethical integration of PAT into clinical and research settings, with the overarching goal of enhancing the care and quality of life for individuals living with cancer.