Study in Mice Finds Psilocybin May Prevent Chemotherapy-Related Nerve Damage by Preserving Mitochondrial Transport

A study in mice and cellular models suggests that two doses of psilocybin may prevent peripheral neuropathy, a painful chemotherapy side effect involving tingling, numbness and nerve damage that can persist after treatment. Across repeated experiments involving tumor-bearing and tumor-free animals, different chemotherapy drugs and as many as six treatment cycles, mice given psilocybin did not develop the expected neuropathy. The researchers propose that psilocybin protects the movement of mitochondria through nerve cells, counteracting chemotherapy-related disruption of microtubules that normally transport these energy-producing structures. The findings are described as a potential neuroprotective use for psilocybin rather than a treatment for existing pain. Evidence remains limited to mice and laboratory cellular models, while anecdotal reports from patients are not proof of efficacy. A clinical trial involving people with colorectal, breast and head and neck cancers undergoing chemotherapy is planned to test whether the effect translates to humans.