Psilocybin may prevent nerve damage from chemotherapy by protecting cell energy transport

Two doses of psilocybin before chemotherapy durably prevented the onset of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in various cancer treatment models.

• CIPN is a disabling toxicity affecting millions and currently lacks proven treatment options.
• Psilocybin maintained tactile sensitivity and preserved nerve endings in the peripheral nervous system.
• Mechanisms involved include the preservation of mitochondrial function and axonal energy balance.
• Psilocybin also normalized synaptic activity in the brain and altered brain wave patterns.
• These findings suggest potential for psilocybin as a prophylactic agent against CIPN while retaining central neural function.

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