The Impact of Music Therapy (MT) on Anxiety in Cancer Patients Undergoing Simulation for Radiation Therapy (RT)

Abstract Purpose Radiation therapy (RT) is associated with high stress levels. The role of MT in patients receiving RT is not well described. This study evaluates the impact of MT on newly diagnosed head & neck, and breast cancer patients’ anxiety and distress during simulation. Methods and Materials This IRB approved randomized trial of MT vs. no music therapy (No MT) at the time of simulation included the pre-State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S Anxiety) questionnaire and Symptom Distress Thermometer (SDT). Patients randomized to MT received consultation with a music therapist, where music of their choice played during simulation, was selected. The No MT patients did not receive the music therapy consultation nor did they hear pre-recorded music during simulation. Subsequent to the simulation all patients repeated STAI S-Anxiety questionnaire and the SDT. Results Of the N =78 (MT=39; No MT=39) enrolled, 38 had breast and 40 patients head and neck cancer. Men to women ratio were 27: 51. The overall mean pre and post simulation STAI-S score was 38.7 (20-60) and 35.2 (20-72), respectively. The overall mean pre and post SDT score was 3.2 (0-10), and 2.5 (0-10), respectively. The MT group had mean pre and post simulation STAI-S score of 39.1 and 31.0, respectively ( p< 0.0001); and the mean SDT score pre and post simulation was 3.2 and 1.7, respectively ( p< 0.0001). The No MT group mean pre and post simulation STAI-S score was 38.3 and 39.5, respectively ( p =0.46); and the mean SDT score was 3 and 3.2, respectively ( p =0.51). Conclusion MT significantly lowered patient anxiety and distress during the simulation procedure using STAI-S questionnaire and SDT. Incorporating culturally- centered individualized MT may be an effective intervention to reduce stressors. Continued research defining the role of MT intervention in improving patient experience by reducing anxiety is warranted.