Doctors are increasingly suggesting that it’s time to seriously consider psilocybin, the active component in “magic mushrooms,” as a way to help women suffering from late-stage gynecological cancers, such as ovarian cancer.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston recently released a commentary urging for more focused research on this front, primarily because conventional methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are not fast-acting enough for these patients.
The Emotional Toll of Gynecological Cancers
Women with late-stage gynecological cancers face a particularly tough emotional and psychological journey.
They have to cope with symptoms, side effects of treatments, and the constant fear of what’s next—including the risk of death.
For young mothers, the emotional strain is even higher because of concerns for their young children.
The doctors cited a recent case of a young woman with advanced ovarian cancer who was in desperate need of emotional support but had neither the time nor the energy for existing therapies like CBT. And she is far from alone.
Studies show that up to a quarter of ovarian cancer patients report significant levels of depression, anxiety, and death-related fears.
Why Psilocybin?
Psilocybin has shown encouraging results in treating various psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and even end-of-life distress.
Research indicates that psilocybin can have similar, if not better, outcomes compared to standard antidepressants, but without many of the associated side effects.
Moreover, the beneficial effects can become apparent in just one or two therapy sessions.
The doctors pointed to a comprehensive review of 10 clinical trials, revealing that one or two doses of psilocybin offered rapid and sustained relief from depression for up to six months.
Additionally, fears about potential abuse or triggering mental illness with psilocybin use have not been substantiated. Some data even suggest that psilocybin may protect against psychological distress and suicidal thoughts.
Next Steps: Planned Trials and Prioritizing Safety
Given the potential benefits and the emotional burden on women with late-stage gynecological cancers, the authors advocate for more rigorous studies tailored to this specific, vulnerable group.
Safety remains a priority, but the authors are clear: it’s time to move beyond the theoretical and into the practical.
In line with this, the authors announced plans for a trial in 2024 that will examine the impact of psilocybin on advanced cancer patients who are experiencing anxiety and depression linked to their illness.
In conclusion, with conventional approaches falling short and the promising potential of psilocybin, it’s high time for the medical community to seriously consider this alternative treatment option.
For women facing the dual difficulties of severe illness and emotional distress, this could be a significant leap toward a better quality of life.
If you care about cancer, please read studies about common drugs for inflammation that may help kill cancer, and statin drugs can starve cancer cells to death.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about how drinking milk affects the risks of heart disease and cancer and results showing that vitamin D supplements could strongly reduce cancer death.
The research findings can be found in the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer.
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