A Prospective Randomized Trial of the Influence of Music on Anxiety in Patients Starting Radiation Therapy for Cancer
Abstract
Purpose One of the most downloaded articles in 2017 from the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics was a study suggesting that music therapy during radiation therapy (RT) simulation substantially reduces anxiety. To further evaluate the potential of music's clinical efficacy in the context of radiation therapy, we conducted a randomized trial evaluating the influence of genre-based music chosen by the study participant on anxiety during the first RT treatment session with a method that is applicable to routine clinical practice.Methods and materials We conducted a prospective randomized trial of music versus no music during the first RT treatment for cancer. We limited the study to women because prior studies document a higher rate of anxiety in female patients with cancer. Anxiety was evaluated before and after the first RT treatment using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Symptom Distress Thermometer (SDT). Patients randomized to music had their preferred genre of music played from a web-based application while in the treatment vault.Results In the study, 102 females were enrolled (51 with and 51 without music). Baseline high anxiety score before RT was recorded in 48% of patients using the STAI and 58% using the SDT. The percent decrease in mean STAI score was 16% with music versus 10% without music (P = .2197). The mean SDT percent changes were a 13% decrease with music versus a 2% increase without music (P = .3298).Conclusions This study documents that high anxiety is common in women receiving RT for cancer and that music, as used in this study, does not reduce anxiety to a meaningful degree.
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For EBRT, several nonpharmacological approaches have been investigated, including music therapy, relaxation therapy, and VR-augmented patient education.
“For external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), several nonpharmacological approaches have been investigated, including music therapy,8 relaxation therapy,9 or even VR-augmented patient education.10”
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- Authors
- O’steen, L., Lockney, N. A., Morris, C. G., Johnson-Mallard, V., Pereira, D., & Amdur, R. J.
- Affiliations
- University of Florida Health (US)
- Corresponding author
- Amdur, Robert J.
- Venue
- International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2021-03
- Volume
- 109
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 670-674
- ISSN
- 0360-3016 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W3095518850
- Cited by
- 35
- References
- 10
- Citations by year
- 2026: 5 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 1
- FWCI
- 4.37
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Music Therapy and Health
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer survivorship and care
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Conservation › Art Therapy and Mental Health
- Keywords
- music therapy, anxiety, radiotherapy, cancer patients, women, radiation therapy simulation, psychological distress
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Anxiety, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Music, Music Therapy, Neoplasms, Prospective Studies, Treatment Outcome, Patient Preference
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