Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of ketamine in the treatment of neuropathic cancer pain.Patients and methods: A retrospective evaluation of 30 patients with severe cancer neuropathic pain not responsive to opioid therapy. All patients were treated at the in-patient palliative medicine unit in Poznan. Ketamine was administered in continuous infusion subcutaneously (11 patients) or intravenously (19 patients) with morphine and midazolam.Results: The treatment time was 3-68 (mean 31) days, daily doses of ketamine were in the range of 20 - 250 mg. Good analgesia (NRS < 4) was achieved in 20 (67%), partial effect (NRS 4 - 5) in 9 (30%), ineffective treatment (NRS > 5) in 1 (3%) patient. No respiratory depression was observed. Adverse effect reported sedation, dizziness and bad dreams.Conclusions: Ketamine increased significantly opioid analgesia. A close monitoring, start with low dose and midazolam administration decrease adverse effects incidence and intensity
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