Grant: Project Grant - Priority Announcement: Patient-Oriented Research

People living with advanced cancer often struggle with feelings of loss of home and meaning in life (demoralization), anxiety about end of life, fear of death, and symptoms of depression; all of which can compromise overall quality of life and worsen their final months. While some therapies have been developed to help people cope and prepare for end of life, they are not always effective, quick, or long-lasting. In combination with supportive therapy, the psychedelic drug psilocybin (from magic mushrooms) has had promising results as a fast-acting and long-lasting treatment in small trials conducted in the United States to date. In this study, we will investigate the impact of a single, high-dose of psilocybin along with meaning-focused supportive mindfulness therapy on 120 people with advanced cancer suffering from demoralization, in a multi-site trial across Canada. To do so, we will train a group of publicly-funded therapists in this modality, who will then be in place at cancer centres across Canada to continue offering the therapy, should it prove effective. We will also engage administrative policymakers in these cancer centres and Health Canada to further facilitate future implementation. Throughout the study, we will employ best practice principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in composing our study team, choosing therapists, and recruiting patient participants.