Could a ketamine combo lift depression in the seriously ill?

NCT ID NCT02783430

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University Hospital, Lille Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a single dose of ketamine plus daily milnacipran can reduce depression in people with severe, progressive diseases. 42 participants in palliative care were split into two groups: one received the drug combo, the other a placebo plus milnacipran. The goal was to see if depression scores improved after 15 days.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: ketamine and milnacipran
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new way to quickly ease severe depression in people with serious, progressive illnesses.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 42 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The combination also carries risks like side effects from ketamine.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression depressive disorder major depressive disorder neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

C.H de Roubaix

Roubaix, France
Centre Hospitalier de Valenciennes

Valenciennes, France
Ch Calais

Calais, France
Ch Ghpso Senlis

Senlis, France
Ch Tourcoing

Tourcoing, France
Chu Amiens Picardie

Amiens, France
Groupt Hopitaux Instit Catho de Lille - Lomme

Lomme, France
Maison Medicale Jean Xxiii - Lille

Lille, 59037, France
University Hospital,

Lille, France

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