A commonly used cancer drug may do more harm than good, researchers at Flinders University have found.

The team in the Palliative Care Clinical Studies Collaborative (PaCCSC) discovered the drug, used for decades to treat cancer-related pain, has no clinical benefit. "The role of ketamine in routine clinical care for chronic, complex cancer pain is not in any way supported by this study. The result is resoundingly negative," said chief investigator and Professor of Palliative and Supportive Services David Currow. The national survey included 185 patients with advanced cancer, 93 received the drug ketamine, while the other 92 received a placebo. The results published in the international...