Objective:

To evaluate the impact of subanesthetic doses of esketamine on postoperative anxiety and depressive symptoms in breast cancer patients undergoing surgery, specifically assessing these symptoms at multiple postoperative time points.

Key Findings:

• Esketamine administration was associated with a statistically significant reduction in depressive symptoms at postoperative day 30 compared to placebo.
• Anxiety levels also showed significant improvement in the esketamine group at both postoperative days 7 and 30.
• No significant adverse events were reported within the first 24 hours post-surgery, indicating a favorable safety profile.

Interpretation:

The study suggests that low-dose esketamine may effectively reduce anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients post-surgery, potentially improving their overall recovery and quality of life, highlighting the need for further research to confirm these findings.

Limitations:

• The study was limited to a single hospital setting, which may affect generalizability to broader populations.
• Long-term effects beyond 30 days were not assessed, necessitating further investigation into the sustainability of the treatment effects.

Conclusion:

Low-dose esketamine may serve as a beneficial intervention for managing anxiety and depression in post-surgical breast cancer patients, warranting further research to explore its clinical implications and long-term efficacy.