What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to understand caregivers' hopes and beliefs while supporting advanced cancer patients in a psychedelic therapy trial.

February 28, 2026Palliative & Supportive Care0 citationsOpen Access

It’s all about the relationship: The caregiver experience of supporting a person with advanced cancer going through an LSD microdosing trial

FCFiona Cottam AWAlesha Wells CCCerys Clayden

Key Points

The research aims to understand caregivers' hopes and beliefs while supporting advanced cancer patients in a psychedelic therapy trial.
Conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 caregivers
Interviewed caregivers at baseline and one month post-treatment
Participants randomized to receive LSD microdoses or placebo
Used reflexive thematic analysis for transcript evaluation
Caregivers reported bidirectional influences on wellbeing between themselves and patients
Most caregivers supported participation in the trial despite some hesitancy
Many caregivers noted an increased sense of hope and improved relationships
Participation in the trial may reduce existential distress for patients and caregivers

Abstract

Abstract Psychedelic therapies are gaining attention as a novel therapy for existential distress in cancer patients. However, such treatments are often stigmatized and the views of support networks are unknown. Caregivers play an essential role in supporting the wellbeing and decision-making of people with cancer. In the context of a trial investigating psychedelic therapy for cancer patients, understanding the experience of the caregiver is important. Objectives The objectives of this research were to investigate the hopes, beliefs, perceptions, and experience of caregivers for advanced cancer patients undergoing a trial investigating a psychedelic-assisted therapy. Methods Semi-structured interviews asked 15 caregivers about their experience at baseline and 1 month after their close associate had completed treatment in a feasibility trial where participants were randomized to receive either lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) microdoses or placebo alongside meaning-centered psychotherapy (MCP). Blinded to condition, reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze interview transcripts. Results This study demonstrates the importance of bidirectional influences between caregiver and patient; the experience of one influences the experience of both. Caregivers were generally supportive of their close associate participating in a psychedelic-assisted trial, although some admitted hesitancy in them taking part. Caregivers described a desire to make the most of now, referring to the role of LSD microdose-assisted MCP as a means of accessing hope, improving the dyad relationship, and reducing existential distress. Significance of Results Participation in trials investigating psychedelic-assisted MCP may offer hope for patients and their caregivers. Given the bidirectional relationship in wellbeing between cancer dyads, caregivers should be included alongside patients in such trials.

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark

View Full Paper