Outcomes of Music Therapy Interventions in Cancer Patients-a Review of the Literature

Journal

Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology

Year

2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Effectiveness of music-based interventions (MI) on cancer patients' anxiety, depression, pain and quality of life (QoL) is a current research theme. MI are highly variable, making it challenging to compare studies. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: To summarize the evidence on MI in cancer patients, 40 studies were reviewed following the PRISMA statement. Studies were included if assessing at least one outcome among anxiety, depression, QoL and pain in patients aged ≥ 18, with an active oncological/onco-haematological diagnosis, participating to any kind of Music Therapy (MT), during/after surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. RESULTS: A positive effect of MI on the outcomes measured was supported. Greater reductions of anxiety and depression were observed in breast cancer patients. MI involving patients admitted to a hospital ward were less effective on QoL. CONCLUSION: The increasing evidence about MI effectiveness, tolerability, feasibility and appreciation, supports the need of MI implementation in Oncology, Radiotherapy and Surgery wards, and promotion of knowledge among health operators.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Anxiety; Breast Cancer; Cancer; Chemotherapy; Depression; Hospital Setting; Music-based Interventions; Pain; Quality of Life; Radiation Therapy; Surgical Patients

Indexed Terms

Anxiety; Anxiety; Cancer patients; Depression; Depression; Music medicine; Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Systematic review

Study Type

Systematic Review; Quantitative Methods

Document Type

Article

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