The primary protocols for research of psilocybin in cancer
While each clinical trial and publication is unique, their protocols all revolve around the 3 stage PAT process: preparation, dosing, and integration.
All of the peer-reviewed publications for PAT in cancer follow similar protocols:
The preparation stage includes several hours of preparatory sessions (including psychotherapy). The preparatory sessions aim to answer questions and provide context for participants about the experience ahead, and most importantly focus on rapport with the therapist. Some protocols also include discussion of intentions and expectations for the dosing session.
The dosing session is between 6 and 8 hours. The majority of trials today use ~25 mg of psilocybin with Niacin as the placebo. Most of the studies, particularly the earlier ones, utilized a 2:1 therapist to participant ratio (2 therapists observing the entire dosing session). More recent studies have focused on a 1:1 ratio, or group models like 4 therapists observing 4–8 participants (
University of Washington study).
For the integrative phase after dosing, participants are generally instructed to journal on their own for several days or weeks. All studies include some form of integration immediately or the day after, with continued integration sessions held weekly or monthly for follow-up.
SACHI’S TAKE
All the peer-reviewed clinical trials follow similar protocols, so you know what to expect if you choose to participate in a trial.
If you are unable to participate at a trial site, and choose to pursue PAT through alternate methods, you can always discuss these protocols with the facilitators at the retreat or treatment center. All protocols can be found in the published manuscripts, under the “methods” section.
We are here to help. Please reach out if you have any specific questions about protocols from these trials.
Continue learning from Sachi
The primary protocols for research of psilocybin in cancer
While each clinical trial and publication is unique, their protocols all revolve around the 3 stage PAT process: preparation, dosing, and integration.
All of the peer-reviewed publications for PAT in cancer follow similar protocols:
The preparation stage includes several hours of preparatory sessions (including psychotherapy). The preparatory sessions aim to answer questions and provide context for participants about the experience ahead, and most importantly focus on rapport with the therapist. Some protocols also include discussion of intentions and expectations for the dosing session.
The dosing session is between 6 and 8 hours. The majority of trials today use ~25 mg of psilocybin with Niacin as the placebo. Most of the studies, particularly the earlier ones, utilized a 2:1 therapist to participant ratio (2 therapists observing the entire dosing session). More recent studies have focused on a 1:1 ratio, or group models like 4 therapists observing 4–8 participants (University of Washington study).
For the integrative phase after dosing, participants are generally instructed to journal on their own for several days or weeks. All studies include some form of integration immediately or the day after, with continued integration sessions held weekly or monthly for follow-up.
SACHI’S TAKE
All the peer-reviewed clinical trials follow similar protocols, so you know what to expect if you choose to participate in a trial.
If you are unable to participate at a trial site, and choose to pursue PAT through alternate methods, you can always discuss these protocols with the facilitators at the retreat or treatment center. All protocols can be found in the published manuscripts, under the “methods” section.
We are here to help. Please reach out if you have any specific questions about protocols from these trials.
Continue Learning from Sachi