Clinical trial • Phase IV • Psychiatry

PSILOCYBINE for Depressive disorder comorbid with cancer

Phase IV trial of PSILOCYBINE for Depressive disorder comorbid with cancer.

Overview

Trial Therapeutic Area
Psychiatry
Trial Disease
Depressive disorder comorbid with cancer
Trial Stage
Phase IV
Drug Modality
Small molecule

Key dates

Initial CTIS Submission Date
10-10-2024
First CTIS Authorization Date
11-11-2024

Trial design

Randomised, open-label, ketamine (active substance 2) — oral capsules; max total dose amount 200 mg (doseuom: mg). midazolam (control substance) — oral capsules; max total dose amount 5 mg (doseuom: mg). (detailed per-dose schedule not specified in part 1 data.) Phase IV trial in Czechia.

Randomised
Yes
Open Label
Yes
Comparator
Ketamine (active substance 2) — oral capsules; max total dose amount 200 mg (doseUom: mg). Midazolam (control substance) — oral capsules; max total dose amount 5 mg (doseUom: mg). (Detailed per-dose schedule not specified in Part 1 data.)
Target Sample Size
60
Trial Duration For Participant
224

Eligibility

Recruits 60 Vulnerable population selected (isVulnerablePopulationSelected = true). Participants are adults with depression comorbid with cancer; each patient must have a secured caregiver who accompanies the patient to visits, collects the patient after each substance session and remains in personal contact at least 5 days per week (caregiver must be available throughout the trial). Separate caregiver informed consent forms are provided (ICF pecovatel). Consent is provided by the adult participant; no paediatric assent procedures (participants aged 18–75)..

Pregnancy Exclusion
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Vulnerable Population
Vulnerable population selected (isVulnerablePopulationSelected = true). Participants are adults with depression comorbid with cancer; each patient must have a secured caregiver who accompanies the patient to visits, collects the patient after each substance session and remains in personal contact at least 5 days per week (caregiver must be available throughout the trial). Separate caregiver informed consent forms are provided (ICF pecovatel). Consent is provided by the adult participant; no paediatric assent procedures (participants aged 18–75).

Inclusion criteria

  • {"criterion_text":"- Men and women aged 18‒75 years\n- A diagnosis meeting diagnostic criteria for a depressive syndrome (F41.2, F32.1, F32.2) comorbid with an oncological disease that: and) is at an advanced stage according to the judgment of the referring oncologist/hematoncologist/internist/paliatrician, or b) is with a poor prognosis (median survival of 5 years or less), or c) currently progressing, or d) shows recurrence, or e) is in the phase of controlled disease, since the oncological dg. at least 6 months have passed, but the patient still has reactive depressive comorbidity\n- In terms of antidepressant treatment, patients who: a) have not used and do not regularly use any standard antidepressants (SSRI, SNRI NaSSA, SARI, tricyclic and tetracyclic AD), b) are currently using standard antidepressants (SSRI, SNRI NaSSA, SARI, tricyclic and tetracyclic AD) for at least 6 weeks in a stable dose, but the treatment did not provide them with a satisfactory psychological state, c) they underwent psychosocial interventions (counseling, psychotherapy, consultation of the support and palliative team), but these interventions did not provide them with a satisfactory state.\n- The patient's cognitive ability to fully understand the information about CT and the study questionnaires.\n- Each patient must have a secured caregiver (close relative, relative) who will accompany the patient to the 1st visit, pick up the patient upon discharge after (each) session with the substance (or after discharge from hospitalization) and will be in personal contact with the patient for at least 5 days in week. This caregiver must be available throughout the clinical trial.\n- Participants of childbearing age/preserved fertility must agree to use prescribed methods of contraception and avoid pregnancy for the duration of participation in the clinical trial: a) Women – we require the correct use of at least a barrier contraceptive method (non-hormonal intrauterine device and/or condom and/or vaginal pessary) or sexual abstinence. Hormonal contraception is not required (combined hormonal contraception - in oral, vaginal or transdermal drug form / progestagen hormonal contraception combined with ovulation inhibition - in oral or injectable drug form / intrauterine device), but is accepted if the patient is already using it and it is not contraindicated due to to oncology dg.) b) Men – use of at least an adequate barrier contraceptive method (condom) or sexual abstinence."}

Exclusion criteria

  • {"criterion_text":"- Oncological disease with known invasion of the CNS or other serious CNS disease (the exception is asymptomatic CNS involvement in hematological diseases that have been treated with intrathecal cytostatics or radiotherapy). In case of risk of invasion of the underlying disease into the CNS, the patient can only be included in the study if CNS imaging (CT/MR) was performed with negative findings.\n- The patient's condition does not allow compliance with the rules of concomitant treatment (see chapters 6.5 and 6.6 of the protocol)\n- Known intolerance or allergy to psilocybin, ketamine, midazolam or other drugs from the benzodiazepine group\n- Pregnancy or breastfeeding\n- Liver dysfunction with GGT, AST, ALT values ​​> 5x upper limit of normal, total bilirubin > 50 μmol/l\n- Cardiovascular instability in the sense of uncorrected hypertension (initial BP values ​​≥ 140/90 mm Hg – average value of 3 measurements), angina pectoris, heart failure or pre-existing clinically significant changes in the ECG (significant conduction disturbances, significant arrhythmias) or tachycardia (initial values ​​≥ 100 beats/min – average value from 3 measurements)\n- Myasthenia gravis\n- Epilepsy incl. history of isolated epileptic seizures\n- Renal insufficiency with a GFR value of less than 0.66 ml/s/1.73 m2 according to CKD-EPI (creatinine)\n- Known paraneoplastic syndrome or ectopic production of hormones by the primary tumor, within which hypercalcemia, Cushing's syndrome, hypoglycemia, SIADH or carcinoid syndrome could occur\n- Diabetes mellitus on insulin or corrected with oral antidiabetic drugs, if there is a history of clinically significant hypoglycemia\n- Myocardial infarction less than 6 months ago\n- Glaucoma\n- Untreated or imperfectly compensated hyperthyroidism\n- Any current or anamnestic psychotic illness from the range of diagnoses F2x.x\n- Current or anamnestic bipolar affective disorder F31.x and manic phase F30.x\n- Current major depressive episode with psychotic symptoms F32.3 and F33.3\n- Presence of suicidal ideation/behavior on the C-SSRS Lifetime/Recent (L/R) version (specifically, a “yes” answer to question 5 in the past 1 month and/or any “yes” answer to the suicidal behavior questions in the past 3 months) and /or based on clinical examination\n- Organic mental disorders including symptomatic F00.x-F09.x\n- Psychotic disorders caused by the use of addictive substances (F10.x – F19.x), dissociative disorder (F44.x), eating disorders (F50.x), emotionally unstable, or borderline disorder (F60.3)\n- Current or anamnestic alcohol or drug addiction F1x.x. (except opioids and medicinal cannabis used in accordance with the controlled treatment of the underlying disease), if abstinence for at least 2 years cannot be proven\n- Undergoing electroconvulsive therapy less than 3 months ago\n- A stroke and/or TIA less than 6 months ago\n- First-degree relative of a patient suffering from schizophrenia, other psychotic disorder (unless caused by a substance or medical condition)\n- Inappropriateness of patient inclusion based on the clinical judgment of the examining physician\n- Clinically significant peripheral vascular diseases (acute venous thrombosis, chronic venous insufficiency in the stage of leg ulcers, ischemic disease of the lower limbs in the stage of claudication)\n- Dyspnea of ​​any etiology higher than NYHA II, acute respiratory failure or severe respiratory insufficiency, sleep apnea syndrome\n- Severe thrombocytopenia < 30 x 10 9/l, resistant to substitution\n- Neurological foci findings\n- Impossibility of oral administration of the study medication in the form of capsules\n- Estimated patient survival time less than 4 months"}

Endpoints

Primary endpoints

  • {"endpoint_text":"- The effectiveness of psilocybin will be evaluated by comparison with the antidepressant ketamine and midazolam using the MADRS scale. Response and remission will be evaluated. Baseline is defined as the score obtained at Preparation Session 1 (9 - 7 days) prior to study medication administration. Response is defined as ≥ 50% reduction in MADRS total score from baseline, and remission is defined as ≤10 MADRS","definition_or_measurement_approach":"Effect measured by comparison with ketamine and midazolam using the MADRS scale; baseline = score at Preparation Session 1 (9–7 days prior); Response defined as ≥ 50% reduction in MADRS total score from baseline; Remission defined as ≤10 on MADRS."}

Secondary endpoints

  • {"endpoint_text":"- The rate of onset and duration of substance use will be assessed using the MADRS objective scale and the BECK self-report scale as change scores on day 1, day 4, 1 week (day 7), 4 weeks (day 28), 8 weeks (day 56 ), 16 weeks (day 112) and 24 weeks (day 224) from administration of study medication compared to baseline.","definition_or_measurement_approach":"Change scores on MADRS and BECK at specified timepoints versus baseline (days 1,4,7,28,56,112,224)."}
  • {"endpoint_text":"- The BECK self-rating scale, which is administered before the administration of the study medication at the beginning of the day and after the administration of the study medication at the end of the day","definition_or_measurement_approach":"BECK self-rating administered same day before and after study medication during Substance Session; used to measure onset rate as change within session."}
  • {"endpoint_text":"- The effect of psilocybin and ketamine on the patient's subjectively perceived quality of life and well-being will be assessed as a change in the score on the FACIT scale and its sub-scales 1 week (day 7), 4 weeks (day 28) and 24 weeks (day 224) from administration of study medication versus baseline.","definition_or_measurement_approach":"Change in FACIT total and subscale scores at days 7, 28, 224 versus baseline."}
  • {"endpoint_text":"- Efficacy will be assessed as change in HAM-A objective scale and STAI self-report scores at day 1, day 4, 1 week (day 7), 4 weeks (day 28), 8 weeks (day 56), 16. weeks (112th day) and 24 weeks (224th day) from administration of study medication compared to baseline.","definition_or_measurement_approach":"Change scores on HAM-A and STAI at specified timepoints vs baseline."}
  • {"endpoint_text":"- PEQ scale will be assessed 4 weeks (day 28) and 24 weeks (day 224) after administration of the study medication and will be evaluated as a change from baseline. The effect of psilocybin on existential distress including patients' subjective attitude towards life (LAP-R), subjectively perceived hopelessness (HAI) and demoralization (DS) will be assessed as change in scores on the respective scales at 1 week (day 7), 4 weeks (day 28 ) and 24 weeks (day 224) from administration of study medication.","definition_or_measurement_approach":"Change from baseline in PEQ at days 28 and 224; changes in LAP-R, HAI, DS at days 7, 28, 224."}
  • {"endpoint_text":"- This effect will be monitored using a pain visual analogue scale (VAS) at day 1, 1 week (day 7), 4 weeks (day 28) and 24 weeks (day 224) of study medication administration versus baseline.","definition_or_measurement_approach":"Change in VAS pain scores at days 1,7,28,224 versus baseline."}
  • {"endpoint_text":"- Evaluation of the antidepressant effect of psilocybin and ketamine depending on the intensity of acute psychological effects during a session with the substance. Acute effects will be assessed by the patient at the end of the day after each session with psilocybin, ketamine and midazolam using the subjective 5D-ASCs and MEQ scales, which reflect the main psychological dimensions of intoxication affecting therapeutic antidepressant response.","definition_or_measurement_approach":"Acute effects measured by 5D-ASC and MEQ at end of day after each session; analyses of association between acute effect intensity and antidepressant outcomes."}
  • {"endpoint_text":"- The antidepressant effect will be compared in patients taking standard antidepressants during the clinical trial (AD-plus group) versus a group of patients not taking antidepressants (AD-free). We hypothesize that the clinical effect of psilocybin will be more pronounced in the AD-plus group than in the AD-free group.","definition_or_measurement_approach":"Between-group comparison (AD-plus vs AD-free) of antidepressant effect measures (e.g., MADRS change)."}
  • {"endpoint_text":"- Evaluation of the antidepressant effect in the open-label part of the study will correspond to the primary (2.2), secondary (2.3) and exploratory (2.3) objectives, with the evaluation not being blinded and only psilocybin and ketamine being compared (midazolam will not be administered).","definition_or_measurement_approach":"Open-label comparisons of psilocybin vs ketamine using the same endpoints as primary/secondary objectives; unblinded analysis."}
  • {"endpoint_text":"- The quality of the blinding of the study medication in the double-blind part of the study will be monitored using the BQQ Questionnaire. The estimate of administered study medication will be determined independently of the participant, therapist and co-therapist. The questionnaire will be filled in 4 weeks (day 28) from the administration of the study medication, at the end of Integration Session 3 after evaluation by an independent evaluator.","definition_or_measurement_approach":"Blinding quality assessed with BQQ at day 28 by independent evaluator, participant, therapist and co-therapist estimates."}
  • {"endpoint_text":"- Safety will be assessed by changes in vital signs (blood pressure [BP], heart rate [TF]) during drug sessions, the BPRS scale, and suicidal ideation/behavior scores assessed by the C-SSRS, version Since Last Visit (SLV) at the end of the session with the substance, based on monitoring the incidence of adverse events throughout the study and further evaluating the persistent psychotropic effects of psilocybin using the PSQ scale 1 day after administration of the study medication.","definition_or_measurement_approach":"Safety endpoints: changes in vital signs during sessions, BPRS scores, C-SSRS SLV for suicidal ideation/behaviour, incidence of adverse events, PSQ at 1 day post administration."}

Recruitment

Digital Remote Recruitment
True, digital methods include website updates, FAQ pages, and social media posts on Facebook and Instagram targeted at referring physicians and patients in Czechia.
Planned Sample Size
60
Recruitment Window Months
47
Consent Approach
Informed consent is provided by the adult participant (study enrolment age 18–75). Separate informed consent forms for patient and caregiver exist (documents: PSIKET_002CZE_ICF_cisty; ICF pacient; ICF pecovatel). Caregiver-specific consent/information forms are available. Documents and study materials are in Czech (titles/translations present in Czech). No assent procedures (no paediatric participants).

Methods

  • Website updates for patients and referring physicians (document: Aktualizace webu pro pacienty a referujici lekare) — country: Czechia; target audience: patients and referring clinicians.
  • FAQ on website for patients and referring physicians (document: FAQ na web pro pacienty a referujici lekare) — Czechia; target audience: patients and referring clinicians.
  • Information leaflet for referring physicians (Informacni letak pro referujici lekare / variant MOU) — Czechia; target: referring doctors/clinicians.
  • Information leaflet for potential participants (Informacni letak pro zajemce) — Czechia; target: patients.
  • Information slide for professional audiences (Informacni slide na prednasky pro odbornou verejnost) — Czechia; target: healthcare professionals.
  • Invitation to informational meetings for patients (Pozvanka na informacni setkani pro pacienty) — Czechia; target: patients.
  • Posts for Facebook and Instagram with information for referring doctors (Prispevky na FB a IG s informacemi pro referujici lekare) — digital/social media outreach targeted to referring clinicians in Czechia.
  • Leaflets for noticeboards (letacek na nastenky varianty) and study presentation materials for patients (prezentace studie pro pacienty) — Czechia; local site-based recruitment materials.
  • Business card / 'vizitka' for referring physicians (Vizitka pro referujici lekare) to facilitate referrals — Czechia.
  • Recruitment campaign annotation/document (PSIKET_002CZE_anotace naborove kampane) — Czechia; coordinated campaign materials.

Geography

Total Number Of Sites
2
Total Number Of Participants
60

Czechia

Earliest CTIS Part Ii Submission Date
07-10-2024
Latest Decision Or Authorization Date
05-05-2026
Processing Time Days
575
Number Of Sites
2
Number Of Participants
60

Sites

Site Name
Narodni Ustav Dusevniho Zdravi
Department Name
Výzkumné centrum NUDZ
Contact Person Name
Jiří Horáček
Contact Person Email
jiri.horacek@nudz.cz
Site Name
Masarykuv Onkologicky Ustav
Department Name
Klinika komplexní onkologické péče, Centrum paliativní péče
Contact Person Name
Ondřej Sláma
Contact Person Email
oslama@mou.cz

Sponsor

Primary sponsor

Full Name
Narodni Ustav Dusevniho Zdravi
Organisation Type
Hospital/Clinic/Other health care facility
Country Of Registered Address
Czechia

Third parties

  • {"country":"Czechia","full_name":"Masarykova Univerzita","duties_or_roles":"[11,12,5,6,7,8]","organisation_type":"Educational Institution"}

Investigational products

Investigational Product Name
PSILOCYBINE (sponsor code SUB10158MIG)
Active Substance
PSILOCYBINE
Modality
Small molecule
Routes Of Administration
ORAL USE
Route
ORAL USE
Authorisation Status
prodAuthStatus:1
Maximum Dose
20 mg (maxTotalDoseAmount: 20)
Investigational Product Name
KETAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE (sponsor code SUB02830MIG)
Active Substance
KETAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Modality
Small molecule
Routes Of Administration
ORAL USE
Route
ORAL USE
Authorisation Status
prodAuthStatus:1
Maximum Dose
200 mg (maxTotalDoseAmount: 200)
Investigational Product Name
MIDAZOLAM (sponsor code SUB08950MIG)
Active Substance
MIDAZOLAM
Modality
Small molecule
Routes Of Administration
ORAL USE
Route
ORAL USE
Authorisation Status
prodAuthStatus:1
Maximum Dose
5 mg (maxTotalDoseAmount: 5)

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