Neuroprotection. Scientists Discovered an Unexpected Property of Psilocybin During Chemotherapy
Date and Time: September 4, 17:02
Preliminary results of a study published in the journal Science suggest that psilocybin may protect cancer patients from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. This form of neuropathy affects one third to half of patients undergoing certain types of anti-cancer treatment and can manifest as pain, burning, numbness, and increased sensitivity to cold and touch. In severe cases, doctors are forced to reduce dosages or discontinue therapy altogether, as neuropathy increases the risk of falls and injuries due to mobility issues.
Study Results
The study was conducted on mice, where the administration of two doses of psilocybin prior to chemotherapy with cisplatin completely prevented the development of hypersensitivity. Psilocybin also preserved nerve endings in the skin during experiments, and the protective effect lasted throughout six treatment cycles. Researchers analyzed sensory neurons and peripheral nerves from humans obtained during surgical procedures. They found that psilocybin acts not through its psychoactive properties but by supporting mitochondrial transport, which is essential for the functioning of nerve cells.
Chemotherapy, in particular, destroys mitochondria and their transport pathways, leading to a deficiency of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the processes of neurons. The protective process identified in the study depends on the serotonin receptor 5-HT2A. The experimental compound TBG, which activates this receptor without hallucinations, also showed protective effects in mice. However, specialists caution that various chemotherapeutic agents damage nerves through different mechanisms, so the protective action of psilocybin requires further investigation.
Currently, the method has not yet been tested on humans, but scientists are preparing for clinical trials to assess the efficacy and safety of psilocybin use. The authors of the study represent the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas. The article references a publication with the DOI identifier 10.1126/science.aec6116.
The discovery of the protective properties of psilocybin during chemotherapy could significantly change the approach to treating cancer patients suffering from side effects related to neuropathy. If further research confirms its effectiveness, it could open new opportunities to improve the quality of life for patients. Upcoming clinical trials may become an important step in this field, as there remains a need for new treatment methods that not only treat cancer but also minimize its negative consequences.