Join us to explore a surprising link: Ketamine and lung cancer outcomes. Intraoperative Ketamine, used during surgery for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), is linked to a lower rate of cancer recurrence. This is unexpected for an anesthetic.

But here's the paradox: a study found that weeks after surgery, the Ketamine group had more circulating rare events (CRE) – tumor-associated cells/fragments in the blood.

How can more of these potentially concerning events mean better long-term results (less recurrence)?

Researchers hypothesize Ketamine might disrupt the tumor environment, increasing shedding. The intriguing idea is that this temporary increase could make shed cancer cells/fragments more visible or vulnerable to the body's immune system or treatments.

This challenges the simple view that more circulating biomarkers are not always bad. It suggests Ketamine could unexpectedly modulate tumor biology. We discuss this early research, which includes contributions from a cancer survivor and aspiring physician-scientist.

Tune in to unpack this fascinating possibility!

Abstract: https://doi.org/10.1158/1538-7445.AM2025-1978

CRE background: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-024-00984-4

Lead Author: https://dornsife.usc.edu/magazine/the-detectives-apprentice/