Psilocybin prevents chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in mouse study, effects last up to eight months

Researchers at MD Anderson reported that a single dose of psilocybin given before chemotherapy blocked the development of pain hypersensitivity in mice. The protective effect persisted for up to eight months after treatment, according to a study published in Science on September 3.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) affects a large share of patients, causing tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet. Current options provide only modest relief, such as ice packs or low‑dose duloxetine (Cymbalta). The new findings suggest a novel preventive strategy that could reduce the long‑term burden of CIPN.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Moran Amit, highlighted the work as opening a new avenue for expanding psychedelic applications beyond mental health. While the results are limited to animal models, they lay groundwork for future clinical trials to assess safety and efficacy in humans.