Effects of Intranasal Ketamine on Depression and Anxiety in Palliative Care Cancer Patients

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ZURICH · Oct 29, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how effective and safe a nasal spray form of ketamine can be in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with advanced cancer who are receiving palliative care. Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, and many of these patients experience emotional distress as their condition progresses. Ketamine is known to act quickly and has fewer side effects compared to traditional antidepressants, which is why researchers are interested in exploring its use for these patients.

To participate in the study, patients must be at least 18 years old, speak and understand German, and have mild to moderate depressive symptoms. They should also have a diagnosis of progressive cancer with a life expectancy of at least 24 months. Caregivers of these patients can also join the study. Throughout the trial, participants will receive a low dose of ketamine nasal spray, and their progress will be monitored through questionnaires that assess their mental health and overall well-being. This research could provide valuable insights into new ways to support cancer patients and their caregivers in managing emotional distress.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria (patients):
• • Informed Consent as documented by signature;
• • HADS total score of 6 or greater;
• • Age 18 years or older;
• • Progressive cancer diagnosis (estimated life expectancy 24 months or more)
• • Able to attend study visits;
• • Ability to speak and understand German;
• Exclusion Criteria (patients):
• • Clinician assessed cognitive impairment;
• • Clinician assessed alcohol or drug abuse;
• • Pregnancy or breast-feeding;
• • Severe hypertension (greater than 200/120 mmHg);
• • Anamnestic mood disorder (major depressive disorder, treatment resistant depression, etc.);
• • Suicidality (C-SSRS total score of "low" or less);
• • Weight less than 39 kg, greater than 170 kg;
• • Angina pectoris or myocardial infarction in the last 6 months;
• • Lifetime abuse or dependence on ketamine or phencyclidine;
• • Substance abuse or dependence in the 6 months before screen;
• • Nasal obstructions or history of nasal surgery.
• * Serious health risk caused by increased blood pressure or intracranial pressure:
• • Known aneurysmal vascular disease (including intracranial, thoracic or abdominal aortic or peripheral arterial vessels);
• • Known history of intracerebral hemorrhage;
• • Recent (within 6 weeks) cardiovascular event including myocardial infarction (MI).
• Inclusion criteria (caregivers):
• • Informed Consent as documented by signature;
• • Age 18 years or older;
• • Able to attend study visits;
• • Ability to speak and understand German.
• Exclusion criteria (caregivers):
• • - None.