Patients with cancer for whom no curative treatment options remain, often experience depression and/or demoralization. Currently available treatments are often unable to diminish these conditions within the remaining time that patients may still have. Esketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) glutamate receptor antagonist, has shown efficacy as a rapid acting antidepressant in treatment studies on MDD and is hypothesized to constitute an acceptable,effective and rapid treatment option for depression and demoralization in advanced cancer patients.
In this pilot study, we evaluate the feasibility of oral esketamine in the treatment of depression and demoralization in patients with advanced cancer who receive palliative care. We also aim to assess the feasibility of a future trial, based on safety and acceptability of the treatment and feasibility of the study procedures. Patients will receive an oral dose of 0.5 mg (minimum) to 3.0 mg (maximum) esketamine twice per week for a five week period.
Collaboration between UMCG departments of medical oncology and psychiatry.
This project is part of research group Psychedelic Treatment and Mechanisms
University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
University Center of Psychiatry (UCP)
PO Box 30.001
9700 RB Groningen
The Netherlands
Visiting address
University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
University Center of Psychiatry (UCP)
Hanzeplein 1, Triadegebouw
9713 GZ Groningen
