Intravenous Ketamine for Cancer Pain: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis Comparing Fixed-Rate Versus Weight-Based Dosing.
Journal of pain & palliative care pharmacotherapy December 1, 2024 Leslie Siegel, Kyle Quirk, Gary Houchard et al. 2 citations
Among 105 adults with cancer pain treated with subanesthetic ketamine, 48.6% responded—achieving a 30% reduction in pain score, as-needed opioid use, or total morphine equivalent daily dose. Responders received lower fixed-rate doses (median 15 mg/hr) than non-responders (median 15–20 mg/hr), but weight-based doses did not differ between groups (0.201 vs. 0.209 mg/kg/hr). Responders had higher baseline opioid needs. The findings suggest weight-based dosing may not improve success over fixed-rate dosing, though the study was underpowered.