Psilocybin prevents chemotherapy side effect in mice

Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, prevented a debilitating chemotherapy side effect in mice without weakening the treatment’s ability to attack tumors, according to a study led by the University of Texas.

The researchers focused on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, a frequent complication of platinum-based cancer treatment that affects more than 60% of patients. It can cause persistent pain, burning and numbness, sometimes forcing patients to limit or stop treatment. Existing therapies generally provide only moderate relief.

In mice with tumors, the researchers administered psilocybin before repeated, clinically relevant cycles of platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy. The treatment prevented nerve damage for as many as six cycles and did not reduce the chemotherapy’s antitumor effects.

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It does more than reduce pain signals by protecting the nerves themselves through the provision of energy.

The study links the condition to mitochondrial dysfunction and the gradual degeneration of the most distant sections of sensory nerve fibers. Earlier research has suggested that psilocybin can promote neural plasticity through the 5-HT2A receptor, which may also affect mitochondrial production and pain pathways.

Patrick Dougherty, one of the study’s authors, said psilocybin “does more than reduce pain signals by protecting the nerves themselves through the provision of energy.” He said the neuroprotective effect could help patients maintain sensitivity, mobility and quality of life during treatment and long after recovery. The findings remain based on animal testing.

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It could help withstand the stress of chemotherapy, maintaining sensitivity, mobility and quality of life during treatment and for a long time after overcoming the disease.