Integrating Ketamine Effects on Neuronal Molecular Signatures and the Brain Functional and Structural Connectome (NCT06698848)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Subanesthetic dose of intravenous ketamine (KET) has been found to be highly effective in rapid treatment depression and associated suicidality but its exact mechanism of remains uncertain. This study will use a novel approach to elucidate KET's effects on the molecular/ gene expression pathways in living neurons obtained from the olfactory epithelium and correlate the changes to rapid improvement in depression via changes in the brain connectome. The study will identify the molecular targets and pathways involved in KET'S mechanism of rapid clinical action and pave the way for development of novel, more efficacious, and safer therapeutic agents.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (1 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (2 items).
Location: Massachusetts General Hosipital — Boston, Massachusetts
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Exclusion Criteria:
- 1\. Meeting DSM-5 criteria for (hypo)mania, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, intellectual disability, or pervasive developmental disorder; 2. History of receiving electroconvulsive therapy in the past 1 year (due to possible effects on brain morphology); 3. Meeting DSM-5 criteria for moderate or severe substance/alcohol use within the past 6 months excluding caffeine or nicotine. The criteria will be evaluated by interview and urinary toxicology screening. The typical weekly use of caffeine, nicotine and alcohol will be recorded; 4. No serious medical or neurological illness, including previously known HIV positive status (due to possible CNS involvement) as assessed by history, physical examination and laboratory examination including EKG, CBC and blood chemistry; 5. Current pregnancy or breast feeding; 6. Metallic implants or contraindication to MRI.
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Massachusetts General Hosipital — Boston, Massachusetts
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.