Radiation therapy patients' interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy: results of a survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Comorbid mental health symptoms impact 30-40% of cancer patients, significantly compromising treatment adherence and increasing mortality rates. Among patients undergoing radiation therapy, which is delivered with palliative intent in nearly half of all cases and for those nearing end-of-life, these rates may be even higher. Emerging research underscores the promising potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) in alleviating cancer-related psychological distress. However, the perspectives of cancer patients on the therapeutic utility of psychedelics remain unexplored.

Methods and materials

Adult patients with a cancer diagnosis were recruited in Radiation Oncology Clinic between May 2023 and August 2024. They included patients being evaluated before, during,

SUBMITTER: Park J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12281839 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature