Experimental Therapies — Legal & Safety Notice
Several therapies listed (psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine) are controlled substances in most countries. This information is educational only.
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Ketamine Therapy
Psychedelic-Assisted
Clinical trials specifically in cancer patientsKetamine is the only psychedelic-adjacent compound with FDA approval (as esketamine/Spravato for treatment-resistant depression). In cancer care it serves a dual role: as a rapid-acting antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression in oncology patients, and as a pain adjunct that can reduce opioid requirements. Unlike traditional antidepressants which take weeks, ketamine produces antidepressant effects within hours critical for cancer patients whose time is limited. Multiple palliative care centres now offer ketamine infusions as standard of care for refractory cancer-related depression.
Conditions Addressed
How It Works
NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist different mechanism from all SSRIs/SNRIs. Rapidly increases synaptogenesis (new synaptic connections) in the prefrontal cortex within hours, restoring neural circuits involved in mood and hope. Also triggers AMPA receptor activation and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) release the biological substrate of neuroplasticity and resilience.
What a Session Looks Like
IV infusion: 0.5 mg/kg over 40 minutes, typically 6 infusions over 23 weeks for depression. Maintenance infusions monthly. Intramuscular, oral lozenges (troches), and nasal spray (esketamine) formats also available. Sessions last 12 hours including monitoring. Psychotherapy integration recommended.
Cautions & Considerations
- Dissociative effects during infusion requires monitored clinical setting
- Blood pressure elevation during infusion cardiac monitoring required
- Potential for misuse and psychological dependence structured programme important
- Avoid in uncontrolled hypertension, active psychosis, or elevated intracranial pressure
- Bladder damage with frequent high-dose use ketamine cystopathy (less common at therapeutic doses)
- Short-term confusion and perceptual changes arrange transport, no driving for 24 hours
- Oral (troche) forms available for home use but require careful clinical oversight