FDA Approves Pilot Study On Hallucinogen
POSTED: 8:15 am EST December 28, 2004

WASHINGTON -- Federal regulators have approved a study to see whether the illegal club drug Ecstasy can help ease the fears of terminal cancer patients.
A Harvard University psychiatrist in charge of the study said there are very few options for patients facing death. The study, set to begin next spring, will test the drug's effects on 12 cancer patients at a Boston-area clinic.

The research is being sponsored by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. The nonprofit group plans to raise $250,000 to fund it.

Ecstasy typically induces feelings of euphoria, increased energy and sexual arousal. But it can also suppress appetite, thirst and the need to sleep.

Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press .