Overview
- The study was published in Science on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, after researchers at UT MD Anderson repeatedly observed the effect across multiple mouse models and chemotherapy drugs.
- Two doses of psilocybin given before chemotherapy completely prevented chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, a condition that causes lasting pain, numbness and sensitivity in hands and feet.
- Lab work showed the drug acts on serotonin 5‑HT2A receptors in sensory neurons to preserve mitochondrial trafficking, keeping energy at nerve endings and preventing axon degeneration.
- A non‑hallucinogenic 5‑HT2A agonist produced similar protection in animals and psilocybin did not reduce chemotherapy’s tumor-shrinking activity in the models tested.
- MD Anderson is launching a mid-stage clinical trial (NeuroGuard, NCT07227909) to test safety and effectiveness in people, and investigators warn that the current evidence is preclinical so patients should not self-medicate with psychedelics.