MD Anderson Study Finds 2 Psilocybin Doses May Prevent Chemo Nerve Damage
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 3
MD Anderson Study Finds 2 Psilocybin Doses May Prevent Chemo Nerve Damage
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 3
Summary
Science published MD Anderson research showing two psilocybin doses given before chemotherapy protected mice from peripheral nerve damage, a complication that affects about two-thirds of chemo patients.
Six consecutive chemo sessions did not break that protection, which lasted through the study’s eight months and did not alter tumor growth or immune response.
Human trials are starting this month, targeting a condition that can cause pain, tingling and numbness severe enough to delay or stop cancer treatment.
No effective treatment now exists for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, which can persist for years after therapy and leaves a large unmet need in cancer care.
Could a compound in magic mushrooms hold the secret to stopping permanent nerve damage from chemotherapy before it begins?
If non-hallucinogenic psilocybin analogs work equally well, will future cancer patients receive nerve protection without experiencing any psychedelic effects?