Our Research Program

​Our clinical research program aims to understand the indications, treatment modalities, and mechanisms of psychedelic-assisted therapies for psychological and existential needs in patients with cancer. Read below our current areas of focus, which are grounded in our patient-centered approach. 

Indications

Existential distress ​& existential growth
​Opioid-refractory pain
Adjustment disorder
Depression

​         Modalities

​   Access
      Psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine-assisted therapies
   Individual, group, dyadic approaches
    Music and psychedelics
    Spiritual care and psychedelics
Diversity, equity, and reciprocity
Clinician education & training
Implementation of PAT models into serious illness care

Ongoing Research Studies

  • ​Feasibility Phase 2 Study of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Opioid-Refractory Pain in Patients with Advanced Cancer: Cancer-related pain study (Dana-Farber Protocol 23-325, NCT06001749)
    • ​This Phase 2 clinical trial aims to assess the feasibility of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy to alleviate opioid-refractory pain in patients with advanced cancer. Participants will receive 25 mg of psilocybin and undergo psychotherapy sessions before and after dosing.
  • A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Dose-Controlled Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of RE104 for Injection in the Treatment of Adjustment Disorder in Patients With Cancer and Other Medical Illnesses: REKINDLE Study (Dana-Farber Protocol 25-458, NCT07002034)
    • ​​This Phase 2 clinical trial evaluates an investigational psychedelic treatment (RE104) for people experiencing adjustment disorder following a major medical illness. Participants will receive a single dose of RE104 (30 mg or 1.5 mg) and attend pre- and post-dosing sessions.
  • ​The Psilocybin in Healthy Older Adults Study (Dana-Farber Protocol 26-046, NCT07516405)
    • This Phase 1 trial examines the safety of psilocybin in healthy older adults, with results informing later drug efficacy trials for pain. Participants in this study will receive two doses of psilocybin (Cohort 1a: 10mg then 25mg; Cohort 1b: 15mg then 30mg) and attend pre- and post-dosing sessions
Completed Research Studies
  • Pilot study of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for demoralization in patients receiving Hospice care – PATH study (NCT04950608)
  • Opportunities and barriers for therapists of colors to engage in psychedelic research – Psychedelic Therapists Diversity study
  • Prevalence of demoralization, mood disorders and death anxiety and their association in an outpatient palliative care setting​​
If you are interested in learning more or participating in a clinical trial, contact [email protected]