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Psychedelics as a Treatment for Cancer

Cancer is a devastating diagnosis that often results in significant psychological distress. Depression, anxiety, and existential distress are common among cancer patients, and these issues can negatively impact their quality of life. While traditional treatments like antidepressants and therapy can be helpful, there is a growing interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA. This mastery/capstone project will explore the research and demonstrate personal knowledge of psychedelics and cancer, including their potential benefits and limitations.

VR Goggles

Psychedelic Simulation

Writers Pick

One way to simulate a psychedelic experience is through the use of a sensory deprivation tank. These tanks are filled with water that is heated to the same temperature as the body and saturated with Epsom salt, allowing individuals to float effortlessly. The tank is completely dark, and the soundproof environment allows individuals to disconnect from external stimuli. The combination of sensory deprivation and relaxation can lead to a state of heightened consciousness and altered perception, similar to the effects of psychedelics.

 

A stroboscope is a device that produces flashing lights at a specific frequency, which can create a visual hallucination effect. When combined with music or other sensory inputs, this effect can be intensified and create an immersive experience that mimics the effects of psychedelic drugs.

 

Meditation and mindfulness practices that can lead to altered states of consciousness. Some forms of meditation, such as transcendental meditation, involve the repetition of a mantra or sound, which can lead to a state of deep relaxation and altered perception. Other practices, such as breathwork or guided visualizations, can also create a sense of heightened awareness and connection with the present moment.

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Writer's pick: Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber, True Love Waits by Radiohead, Seems Like by Thee Sinseers, 13 Pieces, Op. 76: No. 3 Carillon by Jean Sibelius, Wait by M83.

Artificial Intelligence

Not Just for the Trip

Psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and ayahuasca are called serotonergic hallucinogens, as the root implies, these drugs greatly increase the presence of serotonin, lowering stress and anxiety. These drugs are deemed safe and non-addictive by the National Library of Medicine.

Introduction

Cancer is often seen as something to remove and treat to get rid of the tumor, however, much more is involved than just lumps of overgrown cells. Individuals with cancer suffer the mental degradation of the pain they may go through and add as they continue treatment. My grandma had the hardest time going through chemotherapy. She was embarrassed, she felt weak, and unfortunately, she was, cancer had made her weak. I rarely saw her smile, not only did she lose her voice but she lost her passion. I remember a time when she’d walk on the beach every morning and go to bingo every Tuesday night. She lost her identity. I lost my grandma even when she was still living and breathing.

 

I watched a documentary series, How to Change Your Mind. Micheal Pollan charged a fire within me. He educated me about Psychedelics, their ritualistic, experimental, and even medicinal use. I had already, even before the documentary, respected psychedelics for an overall use just for a good time. But I had no clue the extent of the life-changing experience these hallucinogens cause someone.

 

We had talked to my grandparents about trying marijuana, which is considered a depressant, to maybe ease either of them throughout the process. My grandma chose her cigarettes. She was quite a stubborn woman. The faster her cancer progressed the more I wanted to help, I would talk off and on about the possibilities of psychotherapy with my parents, just curious about the topic. My dad agreed with me that giving it a try couldn’t hurt. My mom, being the daughter of my grandma, knew she would never try it, she’ll stick with the good ol’ nicotine.

 

On her last few days, she was barely able to communicate, drugged with everything possible to keep her “comfortable.” Everyone around me for months kept saying we need to keep her “comfortable.” But is comfort happiness?

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And with that, I’m here to educate you about the positive use of hallucinogens, specifically in cancer patients. Because I don’t want them to just be comfortable, I want them to be happy, I want them to let go of the fear of death, I want them to look death in the eye and say, “I’ll be ready for you, and I’m not afraid for when you arrive.” 

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Fear of death causes great distress in cancer patients, doctors often tell chronic patients they have only so many months until they may inevitably pass. Elderly patients, might not be eligible for surgery because the surgeon said, “he/she may not come back after anesthesia.” That in itself is terrifying, then to go through endless appointments and follow-up appointments and radiation and chemo, all things that are meant to help, however, prove to be mentally and physically impairing.

In 1963, a man named Aldous Huxley requested to be injected with LSD as he was suffering from cancer. Huxley had previously experimented with psychedelics when he was younger. He used psychedelics to charge his creative writing mind. He is the author of the well-known: Brave New World as well as: Doors of Perception. He is a great supporter of hallucinogens and believes they are wonderful for exploring the secrets of existence.

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Jim and Maggie, 2020

“To be shaken out of the ruts of ordinary perception, to be shown for a few timeless hours, the outer and inner world, not as they appear to an animal obsessed with survival or to a human being obsessed with words and notions, but as they are apprehended directly and unconditionally by Mind at Large—this is an experience of inestimable value to everyone and especially to the intellectual.”

 

- Aldous Huxley, The Doors of Perception.

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Studied Benefits of Psychedelics

Several studies have shown that psychedelics may be an effective treatment for cancer-related psychological distress. In one study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, cancer patients who received a single dose of psilocybin experienced significant reductions in anxiety and depression, with effects lasting up to six months. Another study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that a single dose of MDMA-assisted therapy improved the mental health and well-being of patients with life-threatening illnesses, including cancer. Patients who received MDMA-assisted therapy reported a significant reduction in anxiety and depression, as well as an increased sense of well-being and connectedness.

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Psychedelics have also been shown to help cancer patients come to terms with their diagnosis and manage existential distress. In a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, cancer patients who received a single dose of psilocybin reported a greater sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as a decreased fear of death. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that MDMA-assisted therapy helped patients connect with their emotions and develop a sense of acceptance and peace with their diagnosis.

  • Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in cancer patients

  • Improve quality of life and increase sense of well-being

  • Help patients come to terms with their diagnosis

  • Manage existential distress

  • Improve relationships with loved ones

  • Provide long-lasting effects for up to several months

  • Can be used as a complementary treatment alongside other therapies

  • May have a lower risk of dependency compared to other treatments

  • May have fewer side effects compared to traditional medications for anxiety and depression

  • Could lead to new insights and perspectives on life and death, improving coping mechanisms for cancer patients.

Risks

Psychedelics can be dangerous when used outside of a clinical setting, as they can lead to negative experiences and lasting psychological harm. Additionally, the use of psychedelics as a treatment for cancer is still in its early stages, and more research is needed to determine their efficacy, safety, and appropriate dosages. It's important for patients to discuss any potential treatment options with their healthcare provider and make informed decisions based on the best available evidence.

A Look into a Real Life Experience

Pradeep Bansal was first diagnosed with cancer on one of his kidneys, surgeons removed the cancerous organ and he didn’t need any further treatment. Not to long after he was diagnosed with stage IV cancer in his lungs. This is when his mind began reeling. He reported that counseling and medication for his mental state helped, but not enough. He recalled psychedelic research he had read in Michael Pollans book, How to Change Your Mind, so he began his own research. Though the research was minimal, he was impressed and therefore made a call to a research facility in New York. They began his study immediately, asking questions and taking blood tests to ensure eligibility. They preform something called “set and setting” where you recognize you mindset going into the dosing session and recognize what you’d most like for a setting as you have taken the dose. The morning after, they began the therapy. Bansal was given 25 milligrams of psilocybin, that’s just enough to bring you to the psychedelic state without making you feel unsafe or feeling nothing at all. Classical music played in the dark and comfortable room. During his trip he saw a giant Ferris wheel with crabs on it hurdling towards him and exclaimed, “That's my cancer!” He feared it, however, faced it, as this is what you are encouraged to do. A few hours into the trip he began to feel happy and comfortable. A quote from Bansal from after the session, "It seems that as time is passing on, I'm becoming more relaxed and hopeful, more calm, and at peace. Family has become even more important to me now. Money, politics, material gains, alcohol, seem less important." In his journal he wrote, "I died, and I was reborn. If I survived this, then I can face anything and anybody in the cosmic scheme. I can become part of it. How many sorrows in the universe? My cancer is nothing. Life does not end with the end of life. What was will be again. Eternally." Bill Richards the psychologist guiding this treatment says that’s not an unusual statement. Richards has completed many trials before Bansal and all have been fairly if not completely successful and claim to feel reduced anxiety and depression for up to 6 months or more.

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"It seems that as time is passing on, I'm becoming more relaxed and hopeful, more calm, and at peace. Family has become even more important to me now. Money, politics, material gains, alcohol, seem less important."

 

"I died, and I was reborn. If I survived this, then I can face anything and anybody in the cosmic scheme. I can become part of it. How many sorrows in the universe? My cancer is nothing. Life does not end with the end of life. What was will be again. Eternally."

How to change your mind

Psychedelic History

Data Technology

Psychedelics on the Brain

Psychedelics are a class of drugs that have long been shrouded in mystery and controversy. They are known for their ability to induce profound changes in consciousness, often resulting in altered perceptions, thoughts, and emotions. However, recent advances in neuroscience have allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of how psychedelics affect the brain on a more fundamental level.

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At the core of this understanding is the concept of neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to experience. Psychedelics appear to have a unique ability to promote neuroplasticity by altering the way that neurons communicate with one another.

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One way that psychedelics achieve this is by modulating the activity of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is a key regulator of mood, appetite, and sleep, and it plays a crucial role in shaping the overall functioning of the brain. Psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin bind to serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to a surge of serotonin activity that can produce a range of psychedelic effects.

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However, the effects of psychedelics on serotonin are more complex than simply increasing its activity. In fact, psychedelics appear to disrupt the normal functioning of serotonin in a way that promotes neuroplasticity. Specifically, they appear to reduce the activity of a particular type of serotonin receptor known as 5-HT2A, which is highly concentrated in the prefrontal cortex - a brain region that is involved in complex thinking, decision-making, and self-awareness.

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By reducing the activity of 5-HT2A receptors, psychedelics may release the brakes on the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt. This can lead to a breakdown of normal patterns of brain activity, which can be experienced as altered perceptions, emotions, and thoughts. However, it can also lead to the formation of new neural connections and the strengthening of existing ones, which may underlie the long-term changes in behavior and cognition that are often reported after psychedelic experiences.

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Another way that psychedelics promote neuroplasticity is by increasing the activity of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is a key player in the brain's ability to adapt and change, and it is thought to be involved in the formation of new synapses and the growth of new neurons.

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Studies have shown that psychedelics such as ayahuasca and DMT can increase levels of BDNF in the brain, which may promote the growth of new neural connections and the strengthening of existing ones. This effect may be particularly important for treating mood disorders such as depression, which are thought to be associated with a lack of neuroplasticity in key brain regions.

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The effects of psychedelics on the brain are complex and multifaceted. By disrupting the normal functioning of serotonin and increasing the activity of BDNF, psychedelics appear to promote neuroplasticity and the formation of new neural connections. While the immediate effects of psychedelics may be experienced as altered perceptions and thoughts, the long-term effects may be more profound, leading to changes in behavior, cognition, and emotional well-being. As our understanding of these effects continues to grow, it is likely that psychedelics will become an increasingly important tool for understanding the brain and treating a range of mental health conditions.

How to have a Successful Psychedelic Experience

  1. Prepare yourself mentally and physically: It's important to be in a good mental and physical state before taking a psychedelic substance. This means getting enough sleep, eating healthy food, hydrating yourself, and avoiding alcohol and other drugs before the trip.

  2. Choose the right environment: The setting in which you take psychedelics is also crucial. Choose a safe and comfortable environment where you feel relaxed and at ease. It's best to avoid unfamiliar or stressful places, or places that could trigger negative emotions.

  3. Have a trusted trip sitter: It's important to have a trusted friend or sitter with you who can support you during your trip. They can help you stay grounded, provide reassurance, and help you navigate any difficult emotions that may arise.

  4. Start with a low dose: If you're new to psychedelics, start with a low dose and work your way up. This will help you acclimate to the effects and minimize the risk of overwhelming or uncomfortable experiences.

  5. Set intentions: Before you take psychedelics, set clear intentions for what you hope to gain from the experience. This could be anything from personal growth to spiritual insight. Focusing on your intentions can help guide your experience and give it meaning.

  6. Surrender to the experience: Psychedelic experiences can be unpredictable, and it's important to surrender to the experience rather than try to control it. Trust in the process and let go of any expectations or attachments.

  7. Practice self-care after the trip: After your trip, take time to rest and integrate your experience. Reflect on what you learned and how you can apply it to your life. Self-care practices like meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature can also help you process your experience and maintain the benefits over the long-term.

Career Paths

  • Medical Researcher

  • Psychiatrist

  • Oncologist

  • Pharmacologist

  • Psychologist

  • Neuroscientist

  • Clinical Psychopharmacologist

  • Health Policy Analyst

  • Nurse Practitioner

  • Social Worker

  • Research Scientist

  • Clinical Psychotherapist

  • Clinical Trial Coordinator

  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist

  • Data Scientist/Statistician

  • Ethnobotanist

  • Medical Writer/Science Communicator

Where am I Going?

4 Year College: University of North Carolina in Asheville

Major: New Media

Minor: Psychology

Work Cited

  1. “Https://Www.cancer.gov/About-Cancer/Treatment/Clinical-Trials/Intervention/Psilocybine.” Www.cancer.gov, 13 June 2017, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/intervention/psilocybine.

  2. “Perspective | Psychedelics May Ease Cancer Patients’ Depression, Anxiety.” Washington Post, www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/04/02/cancer-psychedelics-psilocybin-anxiety-depression/.

  3. “Hallucinogenic Drugs Help Cancer Patients Deal with Their Fear of Death.” Www.science.org, www.science.org/content/article/hallucinogenic-drugs-help-cancer-patients-deal-their-fear-death.

  4. Psilocybin studies may lead to “revolutionary” shift in cancer-related depression treatment. (n.d.). Www.healio.com. Retrieved May 9, 2023, from https://www.healio.com/news/hematology-oncology/20221103/psilocybin-studies-may-lead-to-revolutionary-shift-in-cancerrelated-depression-treatment

  5. One Man’s Psychedelic Journey to Confront His Cancer. (2016). Webmd.com. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/story/psychedelic-psilocybin-study-depression

  6. Ercolano, A. (2021). Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research. Www.hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/research/psychedelics-research.html

  7. Clinical study of psychedelic drugs for cancer patients could be a “game changer.” (2022, January 27). KUER. https://www.kuer.org/health-science-environment/2022-01-27/clinical-study-of-psychedelic-drugs-for-cancer-patients-could-be-a-game-changer

  8. Nichols, D. E. (2016). Psychedelics. Pharmacological Reviews, 68(2), 264–355. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.115.011478

  9. Daniel, J., & Haberman, M. (2017). Clinical potential of psilocybin as a treatment for mental health conditions. Mental Health Clinician, 7(1), 24–28. https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.2017.01.024

  10. Smith, K. W., Sicignano, D. J., Hernandez, A. V., & White, C. M. (2021). MDMA‐assisted psychotherapy for treatment of post‐traumatic stress disorder: a systematic review with meta‐analysis. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 62(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/jcph.1995

  11. Frecska, E., Bokor, P., & Winkelman, M. (2016). The Therapeutic Potentials of Ayahuasca: Possible Effects against Various Diseases of Civilization. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 7(35). https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2016.00035

  12. Psychedelic Timeline. (n.d.). Psychedelic Times. https://psychedelictimes.com/psychedelic-timeline/

  13. Pollan, M. (2019). The Trip Treatment. The New Yorker. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/02/09/trip-treatment

  14. Grob, C. S., Danforth, A. L., Chopra, G. S., Hagerty, M., McKay, C. R., Halberstadt, A. L., & Greer, G. R. (2011). Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(1), 71. https://doi.org/10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2010.116

  15. Inside the Johns Hopkins Psilocybin Playlist. (n.d.). Www.hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/inside-the-johns-hopkins-psilocybin-playlist

  16. Wavepaths. (2022, March 25). Your Brain On Music: Can You Really Trip on Just Music Alone? Wavepaths. https://wavepaths.com/blog/your-brain-on-music

  17. Herrington, A. J. (n.d.). Want To Take A Psychedelic Trip Without Drugs? There’s Now An App For That. Forbes. Retrieved May 9, 2023, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ajherrington/2021/03/02/want-to-take-a-psychedelic-trip-theres-now-an-app-for-that/?sh=6459ad136880

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