Overview
- Researchers published a Science paper on Thursday reporting that two doses of psilocybin given before chemotherapy durably prevented chemotherapy‑induced peripheral neuropathy in multiple mouse models.
- The protection required activation of serotonin 5‑HT2A receptors and worked by preserving mitochondrial movement along sensory axons so nerve endings kept their local energy supply.
- A non‑hallucinogenic 5‑HT2A agonist produced similar neuroprotection in mice, and psilocybin did not reduce the chemotherapy drugs’ ability to shrink tumors in the preclinical tests.
- MD Anderson has initiated plans for a Phase 2 clinical trial (NeuroGuard, NCT07227909) to evaluate safety and whether the mechanism reduces neuropathy in patients receiving chemotherapy.
- If the effect holds in humans it could prevent long‑lasting pain and limit chemotherapy dose reductions, but key challenges include species differences, optimal dosing and how to manage or avoid psychedelic effects during cancer treatment.