Using esketamine to prevent depression after ovarian cancer surgery

Intraoperative Esketamine for Prevention of Depressive Symptoms After Cytoreductive Surgery in Ovarian Cancer: a Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Zhejiang Cancer Hospital · NCT06624878

This study tests if a single dose of esketamine given during ovarian cancer surgery can help prevent depression and improve recovery afterwards.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment568 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexFemale
SponsorZhejiang Cancer Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang)
Trial IDNCT06624878 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates whether a single low dose of esketamine administered during surgery can prevent or reduce postoperative depressive symptoms in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer. Participants will receive either esketamine or a placebo after induction of general anesthesia, and their depressive symptoms will be assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) scale three days post-surgery. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of esketamine in alleviating not only depressive symptoms but also sleep disturbances and overall recovery after surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 who are scheduled for cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer and have a physical status classified as ASA I-III.

Not a fit: Patients currently taking anti-psychotic medications or those with contraindications to esketamine will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the mental health and recovery outcomes for patients undergoing surgery for ovarian cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of esketamine for depression is established, this specific application in the context of ovarian cancer surgery is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* undergoing cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer under general anesthesia
* ASA physical status I-III
* Ages 18-80 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients taking anti-psychotic medications
* Contraindications to esketamine
* Language barrier
* Inability to provide consent

Where this trial is running

Hangzhou, Zhejiang

Study contacts

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 Ovarian CancerCytoreductive SurgeryDepressive Symptom
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.