[Solved] Treating leukemia with psilocybin

In theory, psilocybin could offer relief from certain symptoms associated with leukaemia, but it is important to make it clear straight away that it is not a treatment for the disease itself.

In the article about psilocybin and telomere protection It is noted, amongst other things, that some forms of leukaemia (such as AML and CLL) are associated with shortened telomeres in stem cells. In cell studies and animal models, psilocybin appears to have a beneficial effect on telomere length via the activation of the enzyme SIRT1, which in turn stimulates the telomerase enzyme (TERT). This could support the lifespan and division capacity of cells.

In addition to these biochemical aspects, psilocybin plays a greater role in the psychological domain. People with cancer or chronic illnesses such as leukaemia often experience anxiety, depression, existential questions and mental exhaustion. In this context, psilocybin – certainly when used within a well-supervised psilocybin session, help people find inner peace, a sense of purpose and acceptance. Various studies involving cancer patients have already shown that psilocybin can significantly reduce the fear of death and symptoms of depression.

In summary: psilocybin may possibly contribute to the alleviating mental health issues and promoting cell health in people with leukaemia, particularly through its stress-reducing effects, anti-inflammatory and telomere maintenance. However, it is not a substitute for regular treatment.

Leukaemia is an umbrella term for malignant disorders of the blood and bone marrow. The course of the disease and the treatment vary depending on the type of leukaemia (acute or chronic, lymphocytic or myeloid). Despite advances in treatments, the impact on patients remains enormous – not only physically, but also psychologically and socially. Patients with leukaemia often experience anxiety, depression and a reduced quality of life, caused both by the disease itself and by intensive treatments. Furthermore, some forms of leukaemia are associated with disturbances in the immune system and inflammatory responses, which can affect both the disease and its symptoms.

Psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms”, has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years as a potential treatment for mental health conditions and in palliative care. Psilocybin acts primarily as an agonist on serotonin 5-HT₂A receptors in the brain, leading to altered states of consciousness. Clinical trials in cancer patients have shown that a single dose of psilocybin, supported by psychotherapy, significant and long-lasting reductions may help alleviate anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer. Furthermore, there is evidence that psilocybin biological effects is located outside the brain, for example on the the immune system, inflammatory processes and cellular ageing. This raises the question of whether psilocybin could play a role in supporting or even treating leukaemia patients, either by improving their psychosocial wellbeing or by influencing the biological mechanisms involved in leukaemia.

In this overview, we report findings from the scientific literature on psilocybin in relation to leukaemia. We discuss the various main types of leukaemia – acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) – and the potential role of psilocybin in each form. This involves both direct biological effects (for example, on inflammation/immune response and SIRT proteins) as well as indirect effects (such as psychological support and improving quality of life) are discussed. We conclude with a summary of relevant studies (see also Table 1 for an overview) and the main conclusions.

Leukaemia: types and challenges

Leukaemias are classified according to the cell type of origin (lymphocytic or myeloid) and the rate at which the disease progresses (acute and rapidly progressing, or chronic and latent). These characteristics determine not only the treatment, but also the way in which the disease affects patients’ lives. Below is a brief overview of the four main types:

Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL)

ALL is a aggressive form of leukaemia which mainly affects children, but can also occur in adults. Due to its rapid progression, immediate intensive chemotherapy is necessary. With current treatments, a large proportion of children are cured, but the prognosis for adult ALL patients is less favourable. Its acute nature means that patients and their loved ones are suddenly confronted with a life-threatening situation, which severe psychological stress causes. Fear of treatment and the future is often a prominent factor among ALL patients. Although psilocybin therapy is not suitable for children (due to developmental risks), it could be used in (young) adult ALL patients during the palliative phase or following intensive treatment, may potentially help to anxiety and depression to alleviate. For example, studies involving cancer patients show that psilocybin, administered as a single dose in a therapeutic setting, profound existential reassurance can offer and may help to reduce fear of death. These insights could be relevant for adult ALL patients with a poor prognosis or who have relapsed.

From a biological perspective, ALL is a disease of lymphocytes. There has been little specific research into the effect of psilocybin on ALL cells. However, it is known that SIRT1 plays a role in treatment resistance in certain forms of acute leukaemia (for example, by inhibiting p53-mediated cell death). Interestingly, in human cell models, psilocybin (psilocin) increases the expression of SIRT1, which is associated with improved cell survival and stress resistance. Whether this is beneficial or detrimental in ALL remains hypothetical – it could protect normal cells from treatment-induced damage, but might also make cancer cells more resilient. This underlines the complexity and the need for further research specifically focused on acute leukaemia.

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)

AML is an acute leukaemia of myeloid origin, occurring predominantly in (more) adult and elderly patients. The disease is characterised by a turbulent course of events: without prompt intervention, AML can be fatal within a matter of weeks. Treatment involves intensive chemotherapy and, in many cases, a bone marrow transplant. The intensity of the treatment, combined with what is often a poor prognosis for older patients, leads to high levels of psychological distress. Many AML patients experience depressive symptoms, anxiety and existential despair, particularly in the event of a relapse or if treatment fails. In this context, psilocybin could play a role in palliative care or as a form of support during treatment. Clinical literature shows that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in patients with life-threatening cancer a significant and long-lasting reduction in depression and anxiety brings about, along with an improvement in quality of life. Although these studies mostly involved solid tumours, it is likely that similar benefits can be achieved for AML patients who are facing their own mortality.

On biological aspect AML is interesting because Inflammatory pathways and epigenetic regulation play a role in the disease. For example, AML cells can produce pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause fever (“leukaemia fever”) and weight loss. Suppressing excessive inflammatory responses could therefore alleviate symptoms. Recent laboratory research shows that psilocybin has a anti-inflammatory effect may have: in cultured human macrophage cells (THP-1 cell line), psilocybin reduced the production of LPS-induced in a dose-dependent manner pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-6 and TNF-α) and blocked the activation of the NF-κB and JAK/STAT signalling pathways. This suggests that psilocybin is a anti-inflammatory effect has on the immune system. If a similar effect were to occur in the body, this could potentially reduce the inflammation-related symptoms associated with AML (e.g. less fever and fatigue caused by cytokine release). Furthermore, it is known that AML cells utilise DNA repair mechanisms and anti-apoptotic pathways for their survival. SIRT1 and SIRT6 are often overexpressed in AML and help the leukaemia cells to survive genetic damage. It is therefore conceivable that the activation of sirtuins could have mixed effects: on the one hand protection of healthy cells, on the other hand, possibly protection of cancer cells. Psilocybin’s effect on SIRT1 (increase) has been demonstrated in other models – exactly what this means for AML remains unknown and requires further research.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)

CLL is the most common form of leukaemia in adults, characterised by an accumulation of abnormal B-lymphocytes. The course of the disease is often slow; many patients are monitored over the long term as part of a “watchful waiting” approach, without immediate treatment, until the disease progresses. Although CLL is less acutely life-threatening than AML, the chronic nature presents unique psychosocial challenges. Patients live with constant uncertainty as to whether and when the disease will worsen. Studies show that anxiety disorders and depression are common among CLL patients, partly due to the stress of waiting for results and living with a chronic cancer diagnosis. Improving quality of life is therefore an important aim in the treatment of CLL, alongside controlling the disease itself.

Psilocybin may help CLL patients by psychosocial wellbeing by alleviating anxiety and depression. Although no studies have (yet) been conducted specifically in CLL, there is relevant indirect evidence from research involving other cancer patients. A recent meta-analysis of 7 clinical studies (132 cancer patients, various diagnoses) reported significant improvements in quality of life, better pain management and reduced anxiety following psilocybin therapy. This improvement in psychological wellbeing and existential coping Moreover, the effects lasted for months after just one or two doses. For CLL patients, who often live with years of emotional distress, such an intervention could therefore make a significant difference in terms of long-term relief from anxiety and acceptance of the illness.

CLL is also associated with immune dysfunction: The malignant B cells and their interaction with the surrounding environment suppress the normal immune response and lead to the production of inflammatory factors. This results in an increased risk of infection and, in some cases, autoimmune symptoms. Interestingly, according to recent research, psychedelics (such as psilocybin) have a regulatory effect on neuro-immune interactions may have. A study in Nature demonstrated, for example, that the administration of psychedelic substances to mice counteracted the accumulation of pro-inflammatory monocytes in the meninges, thereby reducing stress-induced anxiety behaviour. This suggests that psychedelics can help to reduce inflammatory processes in the body. Applying this to CLL, one might speculate that psilocybin use could contribute to a more favourable immune environment – for example, by reducing the chronic low-grade inflammation that often characterises CLL. Indirectly, this could even influence the disease: CLL cells depend on supportive signals (cytokines, chemokines) from surrounding cells; if psilocybin reduces certain inflammatory signals (such as TNF-α, IL-6), this could theoretically impair the “nurturing environment” for CLL cells. However, this is currently speculative – direct evidence in CLL is still lacking.

Finally, the following also play a role SIRT proteins a role in CLL biology. Although less well studied than in AML, sirtuins are relevant to B-cell function and survival. SIRT1, for example, can promote the survival of CLL cells by inactivating apoptosis-related genes. One study reported that pharmacological activation of SIRT1 could, in fact, inhibit T-ALL leukaemia cells via downregulation of NF-κB and mTOR; however, in the context of CLL, the effect is double-edged. Whether psilocybin’s potential activation of SIRT1 It is not known whether this has a beneficial effect (for example, by reducing immunosenescence) or an adverse one (by making CLL cells more resistant). It is clear, however, that SIRT6 – another sirtuin that genomic stability and anti-inflammatory may have – in a general sense – both anti-ageing and anti-cancer properties. Psilocybin’s findings regarding improved defence against DNA damage and reduced oxidative stress in cells are consistent with SIRT6 activation, but direct evidence of its influence on SIRT6 is still lacking.

Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)

CML is a chronic leukaemia of myeloid cells, typically characterised by the Philadelphia chromosome-translocation (BCR-ABL gene fusion). Thanks to targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), CML has now become a chronically manageable condition in most patients, with near-normal life expectancy. Nevertheless, CML patients face challenges such as having to take medication long-term (with side effects) and uncertainty about response to or resistance to treatment and the knowledge that the disease is present in a dormant state. Psychosocial support is therefore relevant here too: CML patients may stress and anxiety experienced, for example, regarding the risk of progression to an acute phase (blast crisis) or side effects that affect quality of life.

There have not yet been any studies into psilocybin in CML, but given the success of TKI treatment For these patients, the focus is less on palliative care and more on the living with a chronic illness. Low-dose psilocybin or guided sessions might help people to come to terms with their illness and reduce the anxiety or depression associated with living with a chronic form of cancer. Qualitative research into other chronic conditions suggests that psychedelics may help patients to new perspectives to manage and cope better with stress, which could potentially also apply to CML.

At the biological level, CML is distinctive due to the presence of a permanently active cancer protein (BCR-ABL). This protein causes uncontrolled cell growth, but also makes cells dependent on strong metabolic and DNA damage response pathways in order to survive. SIRT1 has been described as elevated in leukaemia stem cells in CML, and contributes to resistance to treatment. In theory, inhibition of SIRT1 would make such cells more vulnerable, whilst activation would have the opposite effect. This emphasises that any psilocybin intervention needs to be thoroughly investigated for its effects when used in combination with standard therapy. On the other hand, the anti-ageing effects of psilocybin (such as telomere preservation and reduced oxidative stress) suggest that it body cells more resilient might be capable of doing. Perhaps this could protect normal tissue (e.g. healthy bone marrow) during long-term TKI therapy or against the damage caused by CML itself, but this has not yet been investigated.

It is worth noting that there is a in vitro a finding that may be relevant to all types of leukaemia: an extract from a psilocybin-containing mushroom (Gymnopilus purpureosquamulosus) was found in laboratory experiments to to induce cell death (apoptosis) in leukaemia and lymphoma cells, whilst healthy donor mononuclear cells were spared. This selective cytotoxicity was accompanied by the activation of stress signalling pathways (JNK/p38 MAPK) and oxidative stress in the cancer cells. It remains unclear which compound(s) in the extract were responsible for this – possibly psilocybin/psilocin, but other mushroom components may also play a role. Although this preliminary evidence ... this raises the hypothesis that psilocybin-containing substances might, in the future, direct anti-tumour effects might have, although isolation of the active substance and further research will be needed to confirm this.

Psilocybin and inflammatory processes in leukaemia

Chronic inflammation and dysregulation of the immune system play a significant role in cancer in general. In leukaemia, tumour cells can manipulate the bone marrow microenvironment and induce immune cells to produce growth-promoting or immunosuppressive factors. In addition, the disease (or its treatment) regularly causes systemic inflammatory symptoms, such as fever, malaise and elevated inflammatory markers. Psilocybin is known to interact with the serotonergic system, but it has recently become apparent that this interaction has effects extends beyond the central nervous system alone. There is growing evidence that psilocybin and related psychedelics have a immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects can exercise.

A few pre-clinical studies This is clearly illustrated by the following. Ghasemi Gojani et al. (2024) demonstrated that psilocybin significantly suppressed the cytokine release induced by LPS (bacterial endotoxin) in differentiated human THP-1 macrophage cells. This effect was dose-dependent and was accompanied by alterations to key pathways: the classic pro-inflammatory NF-κB route was suppressed, as were components of the IL-6 → JAK/STAT3 signalling pathway. As a result, psilocybin reduced, for example, the production of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as inflammation-related enzymes and chemokines in these cells. Similarly, Robinson et al. (2023) demonstrated that water extracts of various Psilocybe-strains were able to infect both mouse and human immune cells to significantly reduce TNF-α and IL-1β levels in response to an inflammatory stimulus. In a 3D model of human intestinal epithelium under inflammatory stress, pure psilocybin specifically reduced the release of chemoattractants MCP-1 and the growth factor GM-CSF, which normally attract and activate immune cells. These results suggest that psilocybin is a an inflammatory response on several fronts may subside: fewer pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced recruitment of immune cells to the site of inflammation, and possibly a shift towards an anti-inflammatory profile. The mechanisms of action appear to be largely via 5-HT2A serotonin receptor to occur. It is thought that the activation of 5-HT2A by psilocybin leads to what is known as biased Intracellular signalling via β-arrestin-2, which suppresses the NF-κB pathway (important for cytokine production). Furthermore, psilocybin may indirectly cause a slight increase in cortisol via the HPA axis, which may also promote anti-inflammatory effects.

In the case of leukaemia, such an anti-inflammatory effect could be extremely valuable. Many symptoms of leukaemia (such as fever, night sweats and fatigue) are attributable to a high cytokine load. If psilocybin can tumour-related inflammatory symptoms If it can be reduced, this can directly improve the quality of life. There is also a potential anti-tumour component: Leukaemia cells (particularly in CLL but also in AML) rely on a network of cytokines (e.g. IL-6, TNF-α) for their growth and survival. Disrupting this network using an agent that inhibits cytokine release could weaken the leukaemia cells. For example, TNF-α blockade inhibits the survival of CLL cells in preclinical models; psilocybin rapidly and sustainably reduces TNF-α levels in various systems. In addition, monocytes and macrophages in the tumour microenvironment, where they are driven by the leukaemia towards a tumour-promoting phenotype (sometimes comparable to M2 polarisation). Interestingly, SIRT6 – a protein that may be influenced by psilocybin – actually promotes the anti-anti-inflammatory M2 polarisation of macrophages, which could mean that psilocybin makes the immune environment surrounding leukaemia cells less hostile to normal cells but also less supportive of cancer cells.

It is important to note that clinical evidence in humans is still limited in this area. In a small study involving healthy volunteers, no significant changes in conventional inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-α) were found 24 hours after a single dose of psilocybin. It is possible that the effects are subtle or of shorter duration, or depend on the presence of an inflammatory challenge (such as in the in vitro studies). However, recent breakthroughs in neuroimmunological research show that psychedelics can bring about measurable immunomodulation in vivo. For example, Chung et al. (2025) reported that psychedelic treatment in stressed mice not only improved behaviour, but also a reduced infiltration of pro-inflammatory monocytes in the brain. Furthermore, this study also provides evidence of people Findings: similar neuro-inflammatory patterns to those observed in mice were found in the brain tissue of deceased patients with PTSD, and it has been suggested that psychedelics may normalise such processes. This supports the idea that psilocybin may inflammatory processes elsewhere in the body (e.g. in the bone marrow or blood) might modulate.

In summary, psilocybin can be a dual potential have an effect on leukaemia via the immune system: firstly treating the symptoms (fewer inflammation-related symptoms) and, secondly, a possible reduction in the burden of disease by creating a less favourable environment for leukaemia cells. Further studies are, of course, needed to determine whether and how these preclinical findings translate into clinically relevant effects in leukaemia patients.

Sirtuins (SIRT1 and SIRT6) in cancer and the effect of psilocybin

Sirtuins (SIRT proteins) form a family of NAD⁺-dependent enzymes involved in the regulation of metabolism, DNA repair, ageing and stress responses. In particular, SIRT1 and SIRT6 have been extensively studied in the context of ageing and cancer. In many cancers, including haematological malignancies, these proteins are dysregulated. Depending on the context, they can act as either a tumour-suppressive as a tumour-promoting play a part.

SIRT1 is the best-known sirtuin, often referred to as a “longevity protein” due to its association with calorie restriction and lifespan. In healthy cells, SIRT1 promotes DNA stability, stimulates the repair of damage and regulates the apoptosis programme (including via deacetylation of p53, FOXO and NF-κB). In leukaemia, SIRT1 often appears to over-expressed to be present, particularly in leukaemia stem cells and chemoresistant cell lines. This has consequences: increased SIRT1 activity may help tumour cells evade cell death (for example, by “switching off” p53) and may contribute to treatment resistance. On the other hand, there are situations in which SIRT1 is actually useful for inhibiting cancer cells – for example, in certain T-cell leukaemias, activation of SIRT1 led to the inhibition of NOTCH1 oncogene signalling and, consequently, reduced growth of the leukaemia cells. This dual role is linked to in which cells and where in the cell SIRT1 is active.

SIRT6 is known as a guardian of the genome and a crucial anti-ageing enzyme. SIRT6 repairs DNA breaks (including by activating PARP1) and maintains telomere structure, which counteracts chromosomal instability. SIRT6 also broadly suppresses inflammatory pathways: for example, it inhibits NF-κB-activated gene expression and promotes the shift towards M2 macrophage polarisation (anti-inflammatory). SIRT6 is therefore generally regarded as tumour suppressor, as it counteracts cellular decline and inhibits uncontrolled cell division. However, there is a nuance here too: various studies show that certain cancers SIRT6 need for growth, and that high SIRT6 levels may be associated with a poorer prognosis (as in some aggressive AML subtypes where SIRT6 is responsible for the genomic maintenance of rapid cell divisions). In “aged” microenvironments, SIRT6 may be absent, leading to increased inflammation and potentially creating a breeding ground for cancer.

Given this complex background, the question is: What effect does psilocybin have on SIRT1 and SIRT6, and what does that mean for leukaemia? Based on recent research findings, psilocybin appears to be a stimulating effect on sirtuin pathways in healthy cells. Kato et al. (2025) reported that exposure to psilocin (the active metabolite of psilocybin) in human cell cultures led to higher levels of SIRT1 protein. At the same time, they observed that cells were able to maintain their telomeres for longer and showed fewer markers of cellular ageing, suggesting that SIRT6-related functions (such as telomere maintenance and DNA repair) also improved under the influence of psilocybin. In the same study, a striking extension of the service life (+30%) compared with control mice. The psilocybin-treated mice showed signs of healthier ageing (a shinier coat, regrowth of bald patches) and lived longer despite the late start of the intervention. These anti-ageing effects suggest that psilocybin triggers systemic processes similar to known “healthy ageing” mechanisms – of which sirtuins are a central component.

For leukaemia patients, such effects could, in principle, be beneficial: improved DNA damage repair and reduced oxidative stress may help to limit the harmful effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy on healthy cells, and may, for example, prevent secondary cancers (which sometimes develop years after treatment). Furthermore, better-functioning immune cells (less immunosenescence) could improve the control of residual leukaemia cells. However, we must take into account the fact that cancer cells themselves may also benefit from activated survival pathways. If psilocybin increases SIRT1/SIRT6 levels in all cells in vivo, this could potentially make leukaemia cells more resilient to stress or therapy – an undesirable effect. This risk may be limited: SIRT1 activation by psilocybin is unlikely to outweigh the powerful oncogenic drivers in leukaemia cells. Furthermore, the net effect may actually be detrimental to the tumour if psilocybin simultaneously activates pro-apoptotic pathways (as seen in the Gymnopilus(extract from the study).

One hypothesis is that psilocybin is a “normalising” influence has: it restores aged or stressed cells to a more youthful, healthy state (as observed in skin and lung cells in vitro), and this would primarily benefit healthy cells, whilst cancer cells may benefit less because their regulation is already severely disrupted. In fact, in certain cancer cells, activation of healthy pathways actually conflict with their oncogenic requirements and thus inhibit growth – a phenomenon known as oncogenic stress mentions. For example, SIRT1 activation could, in a cell that is heavily reliant on constant NF-κB activity (for survival), disrupt that balance and lead to cell death.

In summary, the field of psilocybin, sirtuins and cancer still very new. Initial results show that psilocybin improves markers of cellular stress and ageing via pathways involving SIRT1. SIRT6, as a protector against ageing and inflammation, overlaps significantly with the observed effects of psilocybin (improved DNA repair, reduced inflammation), so although as yet unproven, it is plausible that psilocybin also increases SIRT6 activity, either directly or indirectly. For leukaemia, this would targeted modulation of these pathways are required to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect: ideally, one would like to protective effects in healthy cells (bone marrow, immune system) stimulate, but without the leukaemia cells gaining any extra protection. It is possible that timing and dosage could play a role here, or perhaps combination therapy (psilocybin combined with drugs that specifically inhibit SIRTs in cancer cells?). However, such sophisticated strategies are still a long way off.

Table 1: Overview of selected studies and findings on psilocybin relevant to leukaemia

The table below summarises some key studies discussed in this review, with a focus on findings that may be relevant to leukaemia or the care of leukaemia patients.

Explanatory notes: The studies mentioned above demonstrate, on the one hand, the psychological benefits of psilocybin for seriously ill (cancer) patients and, on the other hand, the biological effects that may be relevant to leukaemia (anti-inflammatory effects, influence on survival pathways, etc.). Please note: direct research in leukaemia populations is still largely lacking; conclusions regarding leukaemia are mostly drawn on the basis of analogous findings in other models.

Neuropsychological and psychosocial effects of psilocybin in leukaemia patients

An important aspect of the care provided to leukaemia patients is the psychological and existential support. Regardless of the type of leukaemia, patients are confronted with anxiety (for example, about the return of the disease or death), feelings of depression caused by the gruelling treatments and the loss of their “old normal” life, and existential questions about life and death. Traditional psychosocial care (such as counselling, antidepressants or anxiolytics) does not always provide sufficient relief, particularly in cases of existential distress or traumatic stress due to the illness. In this context, the emergence of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy one of the most remarkable developments of recent years.

Clinical trials – mainly conducted on patients with advanced cancer – show that A single session with psilocybin, supervised by therapists, can lead to improvements lasting weeks or even months in mental health. The results are remarkably consistent across different studies and centres. Some highlights:

1. Reducing anxiety and depression: Two randomised, double-blind studies conducted in 2016 (Johns Hopkins University and NYU) demonstrated that a high dose of psilocybin (approximately 25–30 mg, taken orally) in cancer patients with anxiety/depression lead to rapid and lasting reduction of these symptoms. After 5–6 weeks, ~80% of the psilocybin-treated patients had shown clinically significant improvement compared with ~30–40% in the control/placebo group. Furthermore, after 6 months, approximately 60–70% of the patients continued to report improved mood and reduced anxiety. This is remarkable, given that conventional medication often needs to be taken daily and symptoms recur upon discontinuation. Psilocybin appears to be a lasting positive change to put things into perspective or to begin the process of coming to terms with them.

2. Alleviating existential distress: Many terminally ill patients experience existential anxiety – fear of the unknown after death, a sense of meaninglessness, and regret about the life they have lived. Psilocybin users in these studies often reported having a form of “spiritual” or deeply personal experience during the session that helped them reduce this anxiety. The classic example is a patient who described: “I saw that love is the foundation and that it is good as it is” – insights of this kind were accompanied by a reduction in measurable anxiety scores. In scientific terms, one observed a a reduction in existential distress and an improvement in spiritual wellbeing. These effects are highly relevant to leukaemia, particularly in patients in the palliative phase or who, following intensive treatment, are grappling with questions of identity and the meaning of life.

3. Quality of life and functioning: In addition to anxiety and mood specifically, patients often reported a an overall improvement in quality of life, take part in more social activities, and cope better with pain and other physical symptoms. The meta-analysis by Bader et al. objectively confirmed that the quality of life scores were higher following psilocybin treatment than previously. Another interesting finding was improved pain management – possibly indirectly, as anxiety and the perception of pain are linked; however, there are also hypotheses that psychedelics may modulate the neural signals involved in the experience of pain. For leukaemia patients, who often experience pain due, for example, to bone marrow infiltration or side effects of treatment (bone pain, neuropathy), this would be a welcome effect.

4. Widespread mental health benefits: Recent data suggest that psilocybin is effective not only for depression and anxiety, but also for other psychological parameters. Patients in psilocybin trials showed improvements in emotional empathy, social connection and a reduction in feelings of isolation. A pooled analysis (Petridis et al., 2024) found significant decreases in, amongst other things,. hostility, rumination/obsession and somatisation. This shows that the impact of psilocybin holistic is: it has a positive effect not on a single symptom, but on the entire psychological spectrum, without causing long-term adverse effects such as addiction or psychosis. In fact, many patients describe themselves after taking psilocybin as “more connected to life” and “better able to accept their situation”, which clinically corresponds to reduced feelings of hopelessness and suicidality.

5. Safety profile: For the target group of seriously ill patients, safety is crucial. The reported studies revealed virtually no serious side effects. During the session itself, participants may have experienced temporary anxiety or confusion, but with guidance this was generally transformed into positive breakthroughs. Physically, there were no dangerous reactions; psilocybin is not cardiotoxic and non-addictive. Unlike many conventional medicines, it did not cause any suppression of breathing or heart function – which is important for frail patients. The hallucinogenic experience Of course, psilocybin’s very nature makes it unsuitable for uncontrolled use, but in a clinical setting it proved to be manageable and even therapeutic. In short, the risk profile Occasional medical use appears to be acceptable, although one must remain vigilant regarding possible interactions with other medicines or a vulnerable mental state (patients with a history of psychosis are often excluded from studies).

For leukaemia patients in particular, we might conclude that psilocybin-assisted therapy is potentially valuable as supplement to standard care. It is conceivable that this could be implemented at two different points in time:

1. In the palliative phase – when curative options have been exhausted and the focus is on comfort and finding meaning. Psilocybin can then help with coming to terms with the end of life, reducing the fear of dying and finding peace (as has been the case with terminally ill cancer patients). This could apply both to acute leukaemia with a poor prognosis and to advanced chronic leukaemia (for example, transformation to the acute phase).

2. During/after intensive treatment – for example, following a stem cell transplant or a long course of chemotherapy, patients may be mentally exhausted and traumatised (such as PTSD-like symptoms resulting from prolonged hospitalisation in isolation, fear of death in the event of complications, etc.). In such cases, psilocybin could serve as a “reset” to break entrenched negative thought patterns and facilitate reintegration into normal life. It could also help to provide existential insights that give the patient a new perspective, which in turn benefits motivation and recovery.

Of course, there are also challenges and unanswered questions. The administration of psilocybin requires a specialist team (preparation, supervision during the session, and post-session integration). Most of the literature focuses on one-off or twice treatment – is that enough for chronic leukaemia patients who have endured years of uncertainty? Might some form of microdosing regularly (sub-hallucinogenic doses) may offer milder but longer-lasting benefits for mood and cognition, or is the profound, one-off experience in fact the essential therapeutic element? And how do such interventions relate to potential immunological effects – could a psilocybin session possibly have adverse interactions with, for example, recently administered chemotherapy or immunotherapy? There is as yet no data on this, so caution is advised until research clarifies the matter.

Conclusions

Psilocybin is attracting increasing attention as an innovative treatment both within and outside the field of psychiatry. For patients with leukaemia – a group that faces significant physical and mental strain – psilocybin offers potential multiple benefits. A summary of the current literature:

Psychosocial support: Psilocybin-assisted therapy can bring about a significant reduction in anxiety, depression and existential distress in cancer patients, which is highly relevant for leukaemia patients suffering from the psychological burden of their illness and treatment. These improvements in quality of life and mental wellbeing are striking in studies large and long-lasting. This makes psilocybin a promising adjuvant intervention in oncology, specifically in palliative care or post-treatment recovery.

Impact on disease processes: Preclinical data suggest that psilocybin can beneficially modulate the immune system by inhibiting inflammation. It suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-6 and TNF-α) and prevents excessive immune cell activation. In the context of leukaemia, this may mean: fewer inflammation-related symptoms and, potentially, a less favourable environment for leukaemia cells (which often benefit from inflammatory signals). In addition, psilocybin activates cellular survival and repair pathways (such as via SIRT1/SIRT6), which make healthy cells more resilient to stress. This could, for example, help patients’ bone marrow and immune system to recover more effectively after chemotherapy. There is even evidence of direct anti-tumour effects: mushroom extracts containing psilocybin induced apoptosis in leukaemia cells in vitro.

Biological mechanisms – a double-edged sword: The effect of psilocybin on SIRT proteins and others pro-survival These mechanisms raise complex questions. On the one hand, activating sirtuin-driven DNA repair and the antioxidant response may reduce age-related cellular vulnerabilities, which could have a preventative effect against cancer and protect healthy tissue. On the other hand, cancer cells (such as leukaemia stem cells) may actually exploit these same pathways to resist treatment. Based on the literature, the balance appears cautiously positive – in many preclinical models, psilocybin results in net decrease cell proliferation and stress on the organism, rather than unchecked cell growth. Nevertheless, future research will need to focus specifically on interactions between psilocybin and conventional leukaemia treatments (chemotherapy, TKIs) and their impact on residual disease.
Limitations of current knowledge: Most of what we know comes from research into solid tumours, from healthy volunteers or from laboratory studies.

Specific clinical trials for leukaemia As far as is known, these have not yet been carried out. Leukaemia patients differ in certain respects – for example, patients with acute leukaemia may have cognitive impairments due to brain infiltration or treatments, or their physical condition may be very poor, meaning that an intensive psilocybin session could pose an additional challenge. Chronic leukaemia patients, on the other hand, could in principle be good candidates, but are not always in life-threatening situations (from an ethical perspective, psilocybin has so far mainly been administered when other options had been exhausted). These nuances call for careful patient selection in future research. Furthermore, the legal status psilocybin is a factor – in many countries it is still a controlled substance, although this is slowly changing as new medical insights emerge.

In conclusion, it can be said that psilocybin is a promising, albeit experimental, substance that may potentially both direct (organic) as indirect may offer (psychological) benefits to leukaemia patients. It offers opportunities to bridge the gap between body and mind in oncology: it reduces psychological distress and, at the same time, could the body in a state of recovery and balance that could have a positive impact on the outcome of the disease. Of course, psilocybin is no substitute for standard leukaemia treatments – it should be seen as a adjuvant therapy. The current evidence certainly warrants further clinical research, such as a trial of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in patients with leukaemia or other haematological cancers. Such a trial could investigate both mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress) such as biomarkers of disease activity and immune function to include in order to evaluate the full spectrum of psilocybin’s effects.

If these research steps are taken, we could see psilocybin develop into a valuable component of comprehensive leukaemia care in the near future – one that does not attack the white blood cell itself, but rather the the person behind the illness supports in its entirety.

Sources

1. Griffiths RR, et al. Psilocybin in life-threatening cancer: a significant and lasting reduction in depression and anxiety in a randomised, double-blind trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2016;30(12):1181-97.

2. Bader H, et al. (2024). Systematic review and meta-analysis: Psilocybin therapy improves quality of life, pain and anxiety in cases of advanced cancer. World J Clin Cases. 12(21): e0687.

3. Petridis PD, et al. (2024). Analysis of two clinical trials: multidimensional improvement in psychiatric symptoms (anxiety, depression, hostility, etc.) in cancer patients following psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. Nature Mental Health, 2, 1408–1414.

4. Ghasemi Gojani E, et al. (2024). In vitro study: Psilocybin inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory responses in human macrophages via NF-κB and STAT3/1 signalling. Psychoactive substances, 3(1), 48-64.

5. Robinson GI, et al. (2023). Anti-inflammatory effects of psilocybin in a human 3D intestinal model: reduction in TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6; mechanism via 5-HT2A/β-arrestin2 (NF-κB inhibition). Life (Basel), 13(12):2345.

6. Kato K, Hecker L, et al. (2025). Laboratory study (NPJ Aging): Psilocybin extends cellular lifespan (+57%), increases SIRT1, reduces oxidative stress and preserves telomere length; in mice 30%: longer survival with psilocybin.

7. Dulay RM, et al. (2021). Extract of Gymnopilus mushroom induces selective apoptosis in leukaemia cells via the ROS/JNK pathway. PLoS ONE, 16(5): e0252541.

8. Chung EN, Quintana FJ, et al. (2025). Nature: Psychedelics can resetting neuro-immune interactions, reduce monocyte infiltration and inflammatory responses in response to stress – suggesting that psychedelics may also have an impact on inflammatory diseases more broadly.

9. Li Y, Jin J, Wang Y. (2022). SIRT6: Regulation of ageing, immunity and cancer, including a dual role in blood cancers (oncogene vs. tumour suppressor, depending on the context). Front Oncol, 12:861334.

10. Aguiñiga-Sanchez I, et al. (2023). The role of SIRT1 in chemoresistant leukaemia: SIRT1 is often overactive in AML/CML and contributes to a poorer prognosis and resistance to treatment (via p53, FOXO, etc.). Cancers (Basel), 15(19):4841.