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 01, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
Ketamine, traditionally used in anesthesia, emerges as a powerful dual solution for cancer patients struggling with both depression and pain. This innovative approach shows rapid mood improvement and effective pain management in oncology settings. Low doses can significantly reduce depressive symptoms while also helping control post-surgical discomfort, offering cancer patients a more comfortable recovery journey.
Abstract
Depression and pain are common comorbidities in cancer patients, and ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, has shown potential in managing both. This review summarizes current literature on ketamine and its enantiomer, esketamine, in managing depression and pain in the oncologic population. Studies indicate that sub-anesthetic doses of intravenous ketamine and esketamine can alleviate postoperative depressive symptoms in cancer patients with a tolerable safety profile. Research into non-intravenous routes for depression management in the oncologic population remains limited. Ketamine has also proven effective in managing acute postoperative pain, particularly through intravenous administration. While alternative administration routes, such as local infiltration and intramuscular methods, show mixed results, they may provide viable options for patients averse to intravenous (IV). However, the effectiveness of ketamine for chronic cancer pain remains inconsistent. Overall, ketamine offers a promising approach for managing depression and pain in oncologic patients.