Cancers
January 7, 2023
Joshua D. Rosenblat, Froukje E. deVries, Zoe Doyle et al.
49 citations
In patients with advanced cancer and major depressive disorder, three flexible doses of intranasal ketamine (50–150 mg) over one week produced rapid antidepressant effects. By day 8, 70% of participants showed a response (depression scores reduced by more than half) and 45% achieved remission. Depression scores dropped from an average of 31 to 11, a decrease of 20 points. Some benefit persisted into the second week without further doses. Side effects were mostly mild and temporary, including fatigue, dissociation, nausea, altered taste, and headaches; one participant withdrew due to a negative dissociative episode. Larger controlled trials are warranted.
Cancers
April 27, 2024
Val Bellman
9 citations
Oregon's 2020 legalization of psilocybin therapy for depression in terminal illnesses like advanced cancer has faced significant implementation challenges. This review synthesizes empirical data on psilocybin therapy for cancer-related depression, evaluating benefits and adverse effects. It examines therapeutic strategies, dosing regimens, and barriers to responsible, equitable access, including ethical protocols, healthcare integration, statewide availability, legal ambiguities, and clinical standards. Using Oregon as a case study, the review underscores the need to address regulatory, logistical, and ethical obstacles to establish rigorous and equitable psilocybin care models.
Cancers
October 15, 2025
Ron Batash, Noam Asna, Syed Ahsan Ali et al.
2 citations
A topical combination of amitriptyline and ketamine at new concentrations appears to provide safe and effective relief from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This first clinical evaluation suggests the formulation is a promising symptomatic treatment, though larger randomized controlled trials and further study of transdermal delivery systems are needed to confirm the results and improve outcomes.