Music Therapy vs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety in Cancer Survivors

Recruiting at 2 trial locations

Overseen By Jun Mao, MD, MSCE

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 4

Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Must not be taking: Anxiety medications

Disqualifiers: Suicidal ideation, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 26 weeks

350 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how music therapy compares to cognitive behavioral therapy (a type of psychological treatment) in easing anxiety for cancer survivors. Both treatments are delivered online, allowing participants to join from home. Researchers aim to determine if personal traits like age or education influence the effectiveness of each therapy. Individuals who have experienced cancer and have felt anxious for at least a month, and can join online sessions, might be suitable for this study. As a Phase 4 trial, this study involves treatments already FDA-approved and proven effective, aiming to understand how they benefit more patients.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop your current medications, but you cannot join if you plan to start or change anxiety medications in the next 8 weeks.

What is the safety track record for these treatments?

Research shows that both music therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) safely and effectively reduce anxiety.

Studies have found music therapy to be a safe method for improving mental health and lowering anxiety in cancer patients. For instance, one study found that listening to music during cancer treatment significantly reduced anxiety symptoms. Another study confirmed that music therapy enhances well-being during chemotherapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is also proven to be safe and effective for reducing anxiety in cancer patients. Research indicates that CBT helps decrease both anxiety and depression. Internet-based CBT (ICBT) is effective, especially with therapist guidance. Both short-term and long-term reductions in anxiety have been observed with CBT.

In summary, both treatments are considered safe options for managing anxiety in cancer survivors. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers enthusiastic about this study treatment?

Researchers are excited about these treatments for anxiety in cancer survivors because they offer unique, non-drug options. Music Therapy (MT) stands out as it engages patients in personalized musical experiences, like singing or improvising music, to achieve relaxation and emotional expression. This interactive approach can be more engaging and enjoyable than traditional talk therapy alone. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while already established, continues to be a strong contender as it effectively addresses the relationship between thoughts and emotions to reduce anxiety. Both therapies provide promising, drug-free alternatives for managing anxiety, which could be especially beneficial for those looking to avoid medication side effects.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for anxiety in cancer survivors?

This trial will compare the effectiveness of music therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing anxiety among cancer survivors. Research has shown that both music therapy and CBT can help reduce anxiety in cancer survivors. Studies have found that music therapy can significantly lower anxiety levels, with one study reporting a decrease of 3.33 points in anxiety scores. Another study observed a noticeable drop in anxiety after music therapy sessions. Similarly, CBT has improved mental health and quality of life for cancer patients, effectively reducing anxiety and depression. Evidence suggests that both therapies work well, and one study found that music therapy was just as effective as CBT in reducing anxiety in both the short and long term. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jun Mao, MD, MSCE

Principal Investigator

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English or Spanish-speaking adults who have had any type of cancer, are now free from the disease, and experience anxiety (scoring ≥8 on HADS). They must be willing to try music therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy virtually and have access to Zoom. Those with recent active cancer treatment, severe cognitive impairment, extensive prior MT/CBT treatment for anxiety, or certain psychiatric conditions cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

Access to Zoom and a quiet/private location

I have been diagnosed with cancer before, regardless of the type or stage.

I have been feeling anxious for at least a month.

Exclusion Criteria

Active suicidal ideation, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or substance abuse

Score of ≥10 indicative of cognitive impairment on the Blessed Orientation-Memory-Concentration

I have undergone 7 or more therapy sessions for anxiety in the last 6 months.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either music therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy virtually to reduce anxiety

26 weeks

Virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Music Therapy

Trial Overview The study aims to compare virtual music therapy (MT) with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing anxiety among cancer survivors. It will also explore if personal traits like age and mindset influence how well patients respond to these therapies. Participants will be randomly assigned to either MT or CBT.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Music Therapy (MT) Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

MT is a non-pharmacological, evidence-based intervention, in which board-certified music therapists engage patients in personally tailored experiences with music to achieve therapeutic goals. Patients will receive a workbook with materials for each session These experiences range from music-guided relaxation to more active forms of musical engagement, including singing and improvising music.

Group II: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Active Control 2 Interventions

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based, nonpharmacological intervention delivered by licensed mental health providers. Informed by the cognitive behavior model of anxiety, CBT focuses on the relationship between thoughts, behaviors, and emotions and how thoughts and behaviors can exacerbate or reduce anxiety.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada for the following indications:

Approved in European Union as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Approved in United States as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Substance use disorders

Approved in Canada as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,998

Recruited

602,000+

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute

Collaborator

Trials

592

Recruited

27,110,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Music therapy and music medicine have been shown to have positive effects on children and adolescents with various psychiatric disorders, including mood/anxiety disorders and substance abuse, highlighting their potential as effective treatment options.

The article discusses the need for further research to better understand the mechanisms of action and to strengthen the evidence base for music therapy in psychiatric treatment, while also providing practical suggestions for healthcare professionals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music therapy and music medicine for children and adolescents. Yinger, OS., Gooding, L.[2022]

A systematic review of 13 studies involving 946 cancer patients found that music therapy (MT) can be effective in reducing anxiety and distress associated with radiation treatment (RT).

The review highlights the potential of MT as a supportive intervention for oncology patients, suggesting it may improve their emotional well-being before and during RT, although further research is needed to address clinical management challenges.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music therapy and radiation oncology: State of art and future directions. Nardone, V., Vinciguerra, C., Correale, P., et al.[2020]

Music therapy is an effective complementary treatment for cancer patients, helping to improve mood, reduce stress, pain, and anxiety, and enhance relaxation during their treatment process.

Integrating music therapy into supportive cancer care can significantly promote overall wellness and improve both physical and emotional well-being, contributing to a better quality of life for patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music therapy in supportive cancer care. Stanczyk, MM.[2022]

Music therapy (MT) significantly reduced anxiety and distress in patients undergoing radiation therapy, as evidenced by a decrease in STAI-S Anxiety scores from 39.1 to 31.0 and SDT scores from 3.2 to 1.7 in the MT group.

In contrast, patients who did not receive music therapy showed no significant change in anxiety or distress levels, highlighting the potential of individualized music therapy as an effective intervention for improving patient experience during stressful medical procedures.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Impact of Music Therapy on Anxiety in Cancer Patients Undergoing Simulation for Radiation Therapy. Rossetti, A., Chadha, M., Torres, BN., et al.[2021]

Music therapy is gaining recognition as an effective integrative oncology practice, with increasing evidence from randomized controlled trials demonstrating its positive impact on patients' quality of life.

Personalization of music therapy is crucial, as individual music preferences and cultural backgrounds significantly influence its effectiveness, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in cancer care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Addressing the need for personalizing music therapy in integrative oncology. Rajendran, T.[2022]

Mindfulness-based music therapy (MBMT) significantly improved attention in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, as shown by a repeated measures analysis of variance.

Participants also experienced notable improvements in mood, particularly a significant reduction in fatigue, highlighting MBMT as a beneficial intervention for managing mood distress during treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy on Attention and Mood in Women Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study. Lesiuk, T.[2015]

Music therapy can significantly help pediatric oncology patients by addressing physical, social, and psychological needs, such as reducing pain and anxiety, and decreasing reliance on pain medication.

It promotes social interaction and emotional expression, enhancing relationships with healthcare providers and family, which is crucial for patients undergoing long-term treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music therapy research and applications in pediatric oncology treatment. Standley, JM., Hanser, SB.[2017]

A systematic review of 13 trials involving 606 breast cancer patients found that arts therapies, including music and art therapy, significantly reduce anxiety levels, with a standardized mean difference of -1.10.

However, the review did not find significant effects of arts therapies on depression, quality of life, pain, or other emotional states, indicating that while beneficial for anxiety, their overall impact on other aspects of well-being remains unclear.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Arts therapies for anxiety, depression, and quality of life in breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Boehm, K., Cramer, H., Staroszynski, T., et al.[2023]

There is a significant lack of quantitative research on the effects of music therapy for individuals with mental illnesses, despite its potential to treat various clinical populations.

This study analyzes high-quality research methods from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to propose improved methodologies for future music therapy research, aiming to strengthen the evidence base and enhance treatment for mental health patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Quantitative comparison of cognitive behavioral therapy and music therapy research: a methodological best-practices analysis to guide future investigation for adult psychiatric patients. Silverman, MJ.[2019]

A study involving 65 cancer patients found that there is a strong interest in music therapy, particularly in music listening, which could enhance patient comfort and engagement in therapeutic interventions.

The patients' preferences for music therapy were linked to factors such as their levels of anxiety, negative emotions, age, and their beliefs about the benefits and barriers of the therapy, indicating the importance of tailoring interventions to individual patient needs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cancer patients' interest and preferences for music therapy. Burns, DS., Sledge, RB., Fuller, LA., et al.[2019]

In a clinical trial involving 120 female breast cancer patients, music therapy significantly reduced state anxiety levels compared to routine nursing care alone, with lower anxiety scores observed at three different post-test measurements.

The study demonstrated that music therapy can be an effective complementary intervention for managing anxiety in patients following radical mastectomy, highlighting its potential role in holistic cancer care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of music therapy on anxiety of patients with breast cancer after radical mastectomy: a randomized clinical trial. Li, XM., Zhou, KN., Yan, H., et al.[2022]

Citations

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The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for mental health ... CBT statistically improves the MH and QoL psychosocial parameters in cancer patients with greater efficacy in younger patients.

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Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression in ... This study aimed to investigate the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on anxiety and depression in cancer survivors.

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The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for cancer Evidence suggests that CBT is the most effective psychological intervention to improve tiredness caused by cancer therapy and can make the ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1040842822001330

Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in improving ... Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) improves functional health in cancer survivors. CBT has the strongest treatment effect on insomnia, followed by fatigue.

5. ascopubs.org ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.12003

Music therapy versus cognitive behavioral ... Conclusions: MT was non-inferior to CBT for short- and long-term anxiety reduction among diverse survivors of various cancer types. Both ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10502537/

The effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on chemotherapy ... Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms in cancer patients (22,23), and alleviate ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163834322001116

Effects of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy on ... Therapist-guided ICBT was more effective than self-directed ICBT. ICBT lasting for ≤12 weeks could relieve anxiety and depressive symptoms of cancer patients.

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8489050/

Cognitive–behavioral therapy for management of mental ... Cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals to eliminate avoidant and safety-seeking behaviors that prevent self-correction of faulty beliefs.

9. bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-025-06628-3

Effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on resilience among ... This study provided moderately strong evidence that CBT is a valuable tool for enhancing resilience among cancer patients.