Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (n=5) testing a single oral dose of ketamine 0.5 mg/kg versus placebo for depression and anxiety in patients with cancer.
Ketamine has been reported to produce rapid antidepressant and anxiolytic effects; two case reports described sustained benefit after a single oral 0.5 mg/kg dose in palliative patients. This trial tested that hypothesis in oncology outpatients with clinically significant depressive symptoms.
Randomized, quadruple-blind, parallel-group design comparing a single oral liquid dose of ketamine 0.5 mg/kg to matched placebo in adults with cancer and HADS depression score >11; safety and symptom measures collected acutely and at follow-up.
Single oral dose ketamine 0.5 mg/kg (liquid)
10 mg/mL liquid formulation taken orally
Single oral placebo dose
Matched liquid placebo