Psilocybin prevents chemotherapy-related nerve injury and associated symptoms in preclinical models

In a breakthrough study, researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered that psilocybin given before chemotherapy prevented the onset of nerve injury in preclinical models, even after repeated treatment cycles. The findings could help prevent pain, numbness and other common chemotherapy side effects. Psilocybin prevents chemotherapy-related nerve injury and associated symptoms in preclinical models.

Psilocybin prevents chemotherapy-related nerve injury and associated symptoms in preclinical models by University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center edited by Gaby Clark, reviewed by Robert Egan Gaby Clark Scientific Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Robert Egan Senior Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread The GIST Add as preferred source The findings could help prevent pain, numbness and other common chemotherapy side effects. The study, published in Science and co-led by Moran Amit, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Head and Neck Surgery, and Patrick Dougherty, Ph.D., professor of Pain Medicine, uncovers a previously unrecognized neuroprotective role of serotonin receptors and suggests psilocybin as a first-in-class intervention for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

"There is an urgent need for treatments that prevent nerve injury without interfering with lifesaving chemotherapy," Amit said. "These findings offer important insights into how psilocybin may protect nerves before damage occurs, rather than treating symptoms after they become persistent. At UT MD Anderson, we are actively exploring the multiple facets of psychedelics to pursue interventions that improve the lives of our patients." The toll of nerve damage Chemotherapy is a common treatment that benefits many people with cancer, but it can also damage normal cells, including nerves.

This peripheral neuropathy, or nerve injury, can result in many of the side effects associated with chemotherapy, such as pain, increased sensitivity to cold, numbness and loss of sensation, all of which can persist beyond treatment. Some patients may also experience changes that affect their balance or ability to continue lifesaving treatments, significantly affecting their quality of life. Established nerve injury often is irreversible, and existing treatments offer limited benefits.

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound that currently is under investigation for neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. Psilocybin can temporarily allow the brain to reorganize itself and form new neuron branches that could help avoid nerve injury.

In this study, the researchers used several preclinical models to examine the effects of psilocybin on nerves and evaluate whether it could be used to prevent peripheral neuropathy after chemotherapy. Protection through serotonin signaling The researchers discovered that psilocybin directly affects the peripheral nervous system through serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.

In preclinical models, as few as two doses of psilocybin given before chemotherapy prevented hypersensitivity to cold, protected sensory nerve endings and preserved touch sensation while also maintaining chemotherapy's antitumor activity. These results were consistent even when models were given repeated chemotherapy cycles with cisplatin, paclitaxel and docetaxel.

Blocking the 5-HT2A pathway reversed these neuroprotective effects, while using a nonhallucinogenic compound that activates the same receptors produced protection similar to psilocybin.

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