Esketamine's effects on depression and gut health in breast cancer surgery patients

Effect of Esketamine on Postoperative Depression、Gut Microbiota、Bispectral Index Data of Depression Patients Undergoing Breast Cancer Operation (ESPOD-BI)

Phase 4 Interventional China Medical University, China · NCT04303325

This study is testing if esketamine can help reduce depression and improve gut health in women recovering from breast cancer surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexFemale
SponsorChina Medical University, China Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shenyang, Liaoning)
Trial IDNCT04303325 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effects of esketamine on postoperative depression, gut microbiota, and bispectral index data in female patients undergoing elective breast cancer surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either esketamine or saline as an adjunct to general anesthesia. The study aims to determine if esketamine can reduce the incidence of postoperative depression, which affects a significant percentage of breast cancer patients. The trial employs a double-blinded, controlled design to ensure unbiased results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pre-menopausal female patients aged 18 and older scheduled for elective breast cancer surgery with a MADRS score of 22 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive difficulties, previous esophageal surgery, or those unable to comply with study requirements may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment option to reduce postoperative depression in breast cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of esketamine for depression is gaining traction, this specific application in the context of postoperative care for breast cancer patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* At least18 years and pre-menopausal;
* scheduled to undergo elective breast cancer operation;
* American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) risk classification I-II.
* Montgomery-asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score ≥22

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive difficulties
* Partial or complete gastrectomy
* Previous esophageal surgery
* Inability to conform to the study's requirements
* Ongoing participation or participation in another study \<1 month ago

Where this trial is running

Shenyang, Liaoning

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Depressiondepressionsleep deprivationgut microbiotabispectral index
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.