Use of ketamine for depression and suicidality in cancer and terminal patients: Review of current data
Aderonke Oyetunji, C. Blanco Huelga, Kailee Bunte, Rachel Tao, Val Bellman
AIMS Public Health 2023 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2023043 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Cancer patients, particularly those in advanced stages or nearing the end of life |
| Intervention | Ketamine |
| Topics | Anxiety Ketamine Depression Esketamine |
| Keywords | Depression economics Antidepressant Population Psychological intervention Clinical trial Intensive care medicine Disease |
| Citations | 9 |
| Key findings | Ketamine shows potential as a treatment for depression and suicidality in cancer and terminal patients, but larger, well-controlled studies with long-term follow-up are needed to establish its efficacy, safety, and optimal treatment parameters. |
Abstract
Depression and suicidality are significant challenges faced by cancer patients, particularly those in advanced stages of the disease or nearing the end of life. Conventional antidepressant therapies often have limited effectiveness or delayed onset of action, making the exploration of alternative treatments crucial. The use of ketamine as a potential treatment for depression and suicidality in cancer and terminal patients has gained considerable attention in recent years. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current data regarding the efficacy and safety of ketamine in this specific population. This review presents an overview of clinical trials and case studies investigating the use of ketamine in this population. It explores the effectiveness of ketamine as a standalone treatment or in combination with other interventions. Furthermore, the article addresses the limitations and future directions of research in this field. It highlights the need for larger, well-controlled studies with long-term follow-up to establish the efficacy, safety and optimal treatment parameters of ketamine for depression and suicidality in palliative care.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on ketamine for anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Consensus Statement on the Use of Ketamine in the Treatment of Mood Disorders | 2017 | Review and consensus statement | |
| KETAMINE'S MECHANISM OF ACTION: A PATH TO RAPID‐ACTING ANTIDEPRESSANTS | 2016 | Review | |
| Eradicating Suicide at Its Roots: Preclinical Bases and Clinical Evidence of the Efficacy of Ketamine in the Treatment of Suicidal Behaviors | 2018 | Review | |
| Predictors of Response to Ketamine in Treatment Resistant Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder Patients with treatment-resistant depressive symptoms as part of major depressive... | 2018 | Narrative review | |
| Ketamine as a Fast Acting Antidepressant: Current Knowledge and Open Questions | 2013 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- The role of ketamine and its enantiomer in managing depression and pain in cancer patients: A narrative review. Journal of Anesthesia and Translational Medicine December 1, 2024
- Advancing cancer neuroscience through stress modulation: Interdisciplinary potential of psilocybin and ketamine General Hospital Psychiatry February 25, 2026
- Ketamine for Depression in Serious Illness: Evidence, Safety, and Practical Approaches. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management August 1, 2026
- The Use of Ketamine for Depression in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review of Efficacy, Safety, and Clinical Applications. Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy May 29, 2026
- The Emerging Role of Ketamine and Esketamine in the Concurrent Management of Pain and Depression in Cancer Patients: Evidence and Implications for Practice Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy December 27, 2025
and 2 more in the library
Cites 18
- The effect of a single dose of intravenous ketamine on suicidal ideation: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis American Journal of Psychiatry October 3, 2017
- A Consensus Statement on the Use of Ketamine in the Treatment of Mood Disorders JAMA Psychiatry March 1, 2017
- Ketamine for rapid reduction of suicidal thoughts in major depression: a midazolam-controlled randomized clinical trial American Journal of Psychiatry December 5, 2017
- Pharmacological and behavioral divergence of ketamine enantiomers: implications for abuse liability Molecular Psychiatry April 15, 2021
- Possible role of the gut microbiota–brain axis in the antidepressant effects of (R)-ketamine in a social defeat stress model Translational Psychiatry December 15, 2017
and 13 more in the library