Effect of morphine and a low dose of ketamine on the T cells of patients with refractory cancer pain .

The combination of morphine and ketamine is considered safe and efficacious in many patients. However, a considerable number of immunomodulatory effects have been reported to be produced by both morphine and ketamine. The aim of the present study was to assess the direct effect of morphine and a low dose of ketamine on the T cells of patients with refractory cancer pain .

Morphine and ketamine inhibit immune function of gastric cancer patients by increasing percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells in vitro.

Background: There is conflicting evidence regarding effects of anesthetic and analgesic drugs on immune function of cancer patients. This study was designed to observe changes of T cell subpopulations in the gastric cancer (GC) patients and to assess effects of morphine and ketamine on the CD4(+) T cells, CD8(+) T cells, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) populations obtained from the GC patients in vitro.

Methods: The peripheral blood samples from 20 GC patients and 20 healthy volunteers were obtained.