Exploring the Safety, Acceptability, and Efficacy of Psilocybin Among Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A Proof-of-Concept Trial (DREAM LUNG STUDY)

Summary

This phase II trial tests the safety and side effects of psilocybin in combination with therapy for the treatment of major depressive disorder in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. A cancer diagnosis is life-changing, resulting in significant levels of psychological symptoms, including a combination of depression, anxiety, stress, including feelings of existential distress (i.e., loss of meaning, demoralization, despair). Among all cancer patients, those diagnosed with lung cancer have the highest prevalence of mood disorders, such as depression (up to 40%) leading to profound deterioration in quality of life, prolonged hospital stays, poorer treatment adherence, decreased survival rates, and high rates of suicide (5- and 3-times higher than the general population and other cancer patients, respectively). Psilocybin is substance being studied in the treatment of anxiety or depression in patients with advanced cancer. It is taken from the mushroom Psilocybe mexicana. Psilocybin acts on the brain to cause hallucinations (sights, sounds, smells, tastes, or touches that a person believes to be real but are not real). Psilocybin in combination with therapy may be safe and effective in treating major depressive disorder in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Description

Eligibility

Age range

18+ years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

No

Interventions

• Procedure
  Biospecimen Collection

  Undergo blood and urine sample collection

• Other
  Counseling

  Participate in therapy sessions

• Other
  Interview

  Ancillary studies

• Drug
  Psilocybin

  Given PO

• Other
  Survey Administration

  Ancillary studies

Location