๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-05-05

Two Doses of Psilocybin for the Treatment of MDD in Adults With Cancer (NCT05947383)

A Phase 2, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of up to Two Doses of Psilocybin for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in Adults With Cancer

๐Ÿ”ต Active, Not Recruiting Phase2 ๐Ÿ’Š Investigational Drug / Biologic Sponsor: Sunstone Medical

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

This is a Phase 2, single-center study to explore the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of up to two 25-mg doses of psilocybin administered at an interval of 9 to 10 weeks in patients with MDD and cancer. This two-part study will administer a fixed dose (25 mg) of psilocybin in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled portion (Dosing Session 1) and subsequently allow rollover into an open-label portion (Dosing Session 2; fixed dose of psilocybin, 25 mg) for patients who do not achieve remission of MDD symptoms after the first dose. In Dosing Session 1, groups of two to four patients will be randomized, as a cohort, to receive either psilocybin 25 mg or niacin 100 mg (active placebo) in a group session, with each patient supported by their dedicated study therapist and monitored by a second therapist via video feed. In Dosing Session 2, all eligible participants (i.e., patients who have not achieved remission defined as MADRS \< 10 at V7) will receive psilocybin 25 mg in an open-label fashion using the group session model. The study population will include adult men and women who are 18 years of age or older and have diagnoses of both MDD and a malignant neoplasm. MDD is defined as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for a single or recurrent episode of MDD without psychotic features. A diagnosis of a malignant neoplasm is defined as having a diagnostic code from C00 to C97 according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD-10). Participants will be recruited through referrals from specialized psychiatric and oncology services as well as through patient self-referrals. The majority of participants will have no prior exposure to psilocybin or so-called "magic mushrooms"; however, participants with prior recreational experience with psilocybin or "magic mushrooms" are eligible.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: Sunstone Medical, PC โ€” Rockville, Maryland

Age range: 18 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • Sunstone Medical, PC โ€” Rockville, Maryland

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

Explore by condition: All Cancer clinical trials

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—