About Us | CAN-PACT

CAN-PACT, which stands for the Canadian Network for Psychedelic-Assisted Cancer Therapy, is a national initiative funded by the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), and Brain Canada. It aims to bring together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and people living with advanced cancer to explore the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy as a transformative approach to cancer care. The project seeks to establish a Canada-wide network of experts and stakeholders, define key research priorities, build capacity for safe and effective delivery of psychedelic-assisted therapy, conduct pilot studies, a large multi-site clinical trial, and work to inform healthcare policies.

OUR VISION

CAN-PACT envisions a future where people with advanced cancer have access to safe, effective, and meaningful options to support their emotional, spiritual, and psychological well-being.

We aim to create a national model where:

Evidence guides practice
Lived experience informs decision-making
Care is compassionate, person-centred, and equitable
Innovative therapies are evaluated responsibly and integrated thoughtfully into supportive cancer care

Our vision is to transform a system where existential distress is often under-recognized and under-treated into one where patients can find relief, connection, and improved quality of life through approaches grounded in science, ethics, and humanity.

WHY WE EXIST

For many people living with advanced cancer, distress goes far beyond physical symptoms. Demoralization, hopelessness, fear of death, and loss of meaning can profoundly impact quality of life—yet current psychosocial treatments are limited, difficult to access, or ineffective for some individuals.

At the same time, early global research suggests that psilocybin-assisted therapy may offer meaningful reductions in existential distress and improvements in emotional well-being. Canadian researchers are increasingly contributing to the evidence base for psychedelic-assisted therapies. However, no national collaboration has focused specifically on the unique context of cancer care, where patient needs, regulatory considerations, and clinical pathways differ significantly from other areas of PAT research.

CAN-PACT exists to fill this crucial gap.

We bring together experts across oncology, palliative care, mental health, psychedelic science, ethics, and patient partnerships to:

Explore potential therapeutic benefits
Ensure safety, training, and ethical oversight
Navigate regulatory and policy pathways
Establish research and clinical standards
Amplify patient voices and lived experience

By addressing these needs collaboratively, CAN-PACT is helping Canada prepare for a future where psychedelic-assisted therapies may become an evidence-based component of supportive cancer care.

OUR CORE OBJECTIVES

CAN-PACT brings together experts from across Canada to build the knowledge, infrastructure, and relationships needed to evaluate psilocybin-assisted therapy within cancer care. Our work spans research, education, ethics, collaboration, and patient engagement—all grounded in evidence and shaped by lived experience.

BELOW ARE THE CORE AREAS THAT GUIDE OUR EFFORTS:

1. BUILDING A NATIONAL COLLABORATIVE NETWORK

We connect clinicians, researchers, trainees, policymakers, patient partners, and community organizations across Canada to share knowledge, align efforts, and shape the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted cancer care. This national community ensures that research and practice evolve collaboratively rather than in isolation.

2. ESTABLISH RESEARCH PRIORITIES

Through evidence reviews, expert consultation, and the upcoming James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership (JLA PSP), we identify the most important unanswered questions about psilocybin-assisted therapy in cancer care. This ensures future studies address real-world needs and patient-defined priorities.

3. DEVELOP TRAINING & CLINICAL CAPACITY

CAN-PACT works toward creating training pathways and competency frameworks for clinicians, mental health professionals, and interdisciplinary teams who may one day deliver psilocybin-assisted therapy in oncology and palliative care settings. This helps prepare Canada for safe, regulated clinical delivery.

4. CONDUCT PILOT STUDIES

We support the planning and development of early-stage, ethically grounded pilot studies that examine feasibility, safety, and therapeutic potential. These foundational studies help inform future clinical trials and guide responsible clinical implementation.

5. LAUNCH MULTI-SITE TRIAL

CAN-PACT is preparing to launch a multi-site clinical trial that will evaluate psilocybin-assisted therapy across several Canadian cancer centres. This study will build on earlier pilot work, use patient-centred outcomes, and be designed for real-world feasibility. The goal is to generate strong, practical evidence to guide safe and equitable clinical delivery in the future.

6. STRENGTHEN KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION & POLICY ENGAGEMENT

We are committed to sharing clear, evidence-based information about psychedelic-assisted cancer therapy. Through bilingual educational materials, public communication, and policy outreach, CAN-PACT works to support understanding, reduce stigma, and engage decision-makers as the field evolves. These efforts help ensure research findings translate into informed practice and policy.

OUR JOURNEY

MORE TO COME...

As CAN-PACT continues to evolve, new milestones will be added to this timeline to reflect our growth, progress, and contributions to psychedelic-assisted cancer care.