Two Doses of Psilocybin for the Treatment of MDD in Adults With Cancer

Launched by SUNSTONE MEDICAL · Jul 7, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, to see if it can help adults with major depression who also have cancer. The trial will give participants up to two doses of psilocybin, each 25 mg, spaced about 9 to 10 weeks apart. In the first part of the study, some participants will receive psilocybin while others will get a placebo, which is a substance without any active ingredients. Everyone will be supported by therapists throughout the sessions. If a participant does not feel better after the first dose, they may be allowed to receive psilocybin again in the second part of the study.

To join the trial, participants must be 18 years or older and have a diagnosis of both major depression and cancer. They should not currently be taking any antidepressants or antipsychotics and must meet certain health criteria. Participants can expect a supportive environment with close monitoring during their treatment sessions. It’s important to note that individuals with a history of certain mental health disorders or specific medical conditions may not be eligible for the study. If you or a loved one is interested in this trial, it may be a potential opportunity to find relief from depression while managing cancer.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Signed informed consent form (ICF)
• • 2. 18 years of age or above at Screening (V1)
• • 3. Currently meet criteria for MDD (single or recurrent episode as defined by the DSM-5; if single episode, duration of ≥ 3 months) based on medical records, clinical assessment, and documented completion of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, version 7.0.2 (MINI 7.0.2)
• • 4. A diagnosis of a malignant neoplasm with a diagnostic code from C00 to C97 according to the ICD-10
• • 5. MADRS score ≥ 20 at Screening (V1)
• • 6. Is not currently taking any antidepressant and/or antipsychotic medications or medical cannabis at Screening (V1)
• • 7. Able to complete all protocol-required assessment tools without any assistance or alteration to the copyrighted assessments, and to comply with all study visits
• • 8. Has capacity to consent per judgement of the Investigator
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Current or past history of schizophrenia, psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, delusional disorder, paranoid personality disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or borderline personality disorder, as assessed by medical history and a structured clinical interview (MINI version 7.0.2)
• • 2. Current (within the past year) alcohol or drug use disorder as defined by the DSM-5 (MINI 7.0.2) at Screening (V1)
• • 3. Significant suicide risk defined by (1) suicidal ideation as endorsed on items 4 or 5 on the C-SSRS within the past year, at Screening, or at Baseline, or; (2) suicidal behaviors within the past year, or; (3) clinical assessment of significant suicidal risk during participant interview
• • 4. Other personal circumstances or behavior judged to be incompatible with establishment of rapport or safe exposure to psilocybin
• • 5. Women who are pregnant, nursing, or planning a pregnancy. Women and men of child-bearing potential and who are sexually active must agree to use an acceptable contraceptive method throughout their participation in the study. Women of child-bearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test at Screening (V1) and Baseline (V2)
• • 6. Cardiovascular conditions: recent stroke (\< 1 year from signing of ICF), recent myocardial infarction (\< 1 year from signing of ICF), uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure \> 140/90), or clinically significant arrhythmia within 1 year of signing the ICF
• • 7. A marked prolongation of QT/QTc interval (e.g., repeated demonstration of a QTc interval \> 450 ms at screening
• • 8. A history of additional risk factors for Torsade de Pointes (e.g., heart failure, hypokalemia, family history of long QT syndrome)
• • 9. The use of concomitant medications that prolong the QT/QTc interval
• • 10. Uncontrolled or insulin-dependent diabetes
• • 11. Seizure disorder
• • 12. Positive urine drug screen for illicit drugs or drugs of abuse at V1 and V2. Any positive urine drug test will be reviewed with participants to determine the pattern of use and eligibility will be determined at the Investigator's discretion in conjunction with the medical monitor
• • 13. Current enrollment in any investigational drug or device study or participation in such within 30 days of Screening (V1)
• • 14. Abnormal and clinically significant results on the physical examination, vital signs, ECG, or laboratory tests at Screening (V1) that in the Investigator's opinion may constitute a risk for an individual who is exposed to psilocybin. This includes a value of \< 50,000 platelets per cubic millimeter of blood, liver function tests three times the upper limit of normal, and creatine two times above the normal range. Clinically significant abnormal electrolytes or low hemoglobin (\< 8 g/L) should be corrected and rechecked prior to enrollment
• • 15. Any other clinically significant cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, or any other major concurrent illness that, in the opinion of the Investigator, may interfere with the interpretation of the study results or constitute a health risk for the participant if they take part in the study
• • 16. Use of psychedelics, including psilocybin but excluding medical marijuana, within the past 6 months and use of psychedelics or cannabis during the current episode of depression
• • 17. Concurrent or recent chemotherapy or radiation therapy that impairs general level of physical functioning