Oral Ketamine in the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety in Patients With Cancer

Abstract

Depression is common in patients with cancer. Current medications for depression, while effective, take several weeks to take effect. Ketamine has emerged as a drug with promise for cancer patients. In two reported cases, a single dose of ketamine induced rapid and moderately sustained symptom reduction in depression and anxiety with no adverse side effects. Benefit was seen in as little as 1 hour and sustained up to 30 days. This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation testing whether a single dose of ketamine improves depression and anxiety relative to placebo in patients with cancer.

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