Music Listening for Bone Marrow Transplant

Overseen By Maria Olex, Psy.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Colorado, Denver

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Psychosis, Hearing impairments, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 3-4 weeks

35 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if listening to music can improve the well-being of stem cell transplant patients during extended hospital stays. Participants will listen to music for one hour each day through a web-based platform. The trial will compare those using the music tool, known as Mindful Music Listening (MML), to a group not using it to assess its impact. Suitable candidates include patients scheduled for a stem cell transplant, expected to remain in the hospital for several weeks, and with internet access for streaming music. As an unphased trial, this study offers patients the chance to explore innovative ways to enhance their recovery experience.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this music listening tool is safe for stem cell transplant patients?

Research shows that Mindful Music Listening (MML) is generally easy for patients to handle. Studies on music therapy in similar situations have found it helpful for patients, aiding them in coping with medical treatments such as stem cell transplants.

In one study involving patients undergoing stem cell transplants, music sessions did not cause any significant side effects. Patients typically rated their experiences positively, indicating that the sessions were safe and enjoyable.

Overall, no evidence of harmful side effects from mindful music listening exists, making it a safe option to consider during long hospital stays. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Mindful Music Listening (MML) for bone marrow transplant patients because it offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing the stress and anxiety often associated with the procedure. Unlike traditional treatments that may involve medication to alleviate these symptoms, MML uses the soothing power of music to promote relaxation and mental well-being. This approach can be especially appealing as it avoids potential side effects of pharmaceuticals and provides an accessible, enjoyable experience for patients.

What evidence suggests that this music listening intervention is effective for stem cell transplant patients?

Research has shown that mindfulness meditation, included in the Mindful Music Listening (MML) intervention for this trial, can reduce stress and improve symptoms in cancer patients. Participants will either receive the Music Intervention or join the Control group. Studies have found that listening to music benefits patients undergoing treatments like stem cell transplants by lowering anxiety and enhancing overall well-being during extended hospital stays. Although more research is needed, early findings suggest that music might effectively ease the emotional challenges of these treatments. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Maria Olex, Psy.D.

Principal Investigator

University of Colorado, Denver

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for patients undergoing a bone marrow transplant who will have long hospital stays. Participants should be willing to listen to music for an hour daily using a web-based platform during their inpatient stay.

Inclusion Criteria

Score ≥1 on the distress thermometer

Able to provide informed consent

I can access the internet and use a device for surveys and music streaming.

Exclusion Criteria

Significant and active cognitive conditions (e.g., major cognitive impairment), psychiatric conditions (e.g., active psychosis), or medical conditions (e.g., untreated significant hearing impairments) that would prevent the ability to provide informed consent or participate in the music listening intervention

Lack access to music streaming via smartphone, tablet, or computer and internet access.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a self-guided music listening intervention of 1-hour daily during their inpatient hospitalization

3-4 weeks

Daily music listening sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Mindful Music Listening (MML)

Trial Overview The study is testing Mindful Music Listening (MML), which involves self-guided, daily one-hour sessions of music listening delivered through a web-based platform, designed to support stem cell transplant patients.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Music Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Colorado, Denver

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,842

Recruited

3,028,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Music therapy (MT) in addition to standard supportive treatment did not improve overall quality of life for patients undergoing high dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation, but it did significantly change their perception of pain.

Patients receiving MT experienced fewer severe toxicities and required less antiemetic medication compared to those who only received standard treatment, suggesting potential benefits in managing side effects, although further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of music therapy in patients with high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell support: a randomized pilot study. Tuinmann, G., Preissler, P., Böhmer, H., et al.[2018]

A systematic review of 32 randomized trials involving 3181 cancer patients found that music interventions significantly improved psychological outcomes, particularly in reducing anxiety and depression.

While music interventions were generally well-received by patients, their effects on physical outcomes like pain management and vital signs were modest, indicating a need for further high-quality studies to better understand these impacts.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music interventions for psychological and physical outcomes in cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Zhang, JM., Wang, P., Yao, JX., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 58 organ transplant recipients, music therapy significantly improved self-reported levels of relaxation and reduced anxiety, pain, and nausea, indicating its potential as an effective psychosocial intervention in postoperative care.

Participants expressed a strong desire for future music therapy sessions, highlighting its acceptability and positive impact on their emotional well-being during recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of music therapy on relaxation, anxiety, pain perception, and nausea in adult solid organ transplant patients. Madson, AT., Silverman, MJ.[2019]

A study involving 39 adults undergoing blood and marrow transplantation found no significant differences in therapy-related symptoms, anxiety, or distress between those participating in art-making, music listening, or a control group.

Despite the lack of statistical differences, creative therapies like art and music are considered safe and enjoyable activities for patients, suggesting they could be beneficial for improving patient experience during treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Making Art and Listening to Music on Symptoms Related to Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Mische Lawson, L., Glennon, C., Fiscus, V., et al.[2017]

In a study involving 20 hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients, 78.9% completed a mindfulness meditation intervention, indicating its feasibility for this population.

Participants showed significant reductions in heart and respiratory rates, as well as improvements in psychological and physical symptoms immediately before and after meditation sessions, suggesting that mindfulness can help manage stress and discomfort during hospitalization.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Facing the challenges of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with mindfulness meditation: a pilot study. Bauer-Wu, S., Sullivan, AM., Rosenbaum, E., et al.[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]

Children undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT) experience significant somatic distress and mood disturbances, highlighting the need for effective interventions to alleviate this distress.

Pilot studies suggest that complementary therapies, particularly massage and humor therapy, are perceived as helpful by patients and parents, leading to their further evaluation in a randomized clinical trial.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reduction of distress associated with paediatric bone marrow transplant: complementary health promotion interventions. Phipps, S.[2022]

In a randomized clinical trial involving breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, a 30-minute music intervention before treatment significantly improved quality of life scores compared to a control group.

The music group also experienced lower levels of depression and anxiety, as well as reduced incidence of vomiting during chemotherapy, indicating that music can be an effective complementary therapy to alleviate some adverse effects of cancer treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of a Music Intervention on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Lima, TU., Moura, ECR., Oliveira, CMB., et al.[2021]

A study involving 25 individuals undergoing blood and marrow transplant treatment found that engaging in art making or music listening significantly enhanced their treatment experience, providing enjoyment and a sense of self-expression.

Participants reported that these creative activities offered beneficial distractions during treatment, increased their options for engagement, and could be enjoyed alone or with caregivers, highlighting the importance of emotional support in medical settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A qualitative study of blood and marrow transplant patient experiences participating in art making and music listening. Mische Lawson, L., Wedan, L., Stock, M., et al.[2018]

Patients recovering from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation who engaged in music therapy or unstructured music listening reported immediate improvements in mood after using personalized audio CDs.

However, the study found that while music listening can enhance mood in the short term, it did not lead to significant long-term improvements in quality of life for the participants.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music therapy for patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Ratcliff, CG., Prinsloo, S., Richardson, M., et al.[2021]

Music therapy significantly improves the overall quality of life for cancer patients, as shown in a systematic review of 19 trials involving 1,548 participants.

In addition to enhancing quality of life, music therapy effectively reduces anxiety, depression, and pain in cancer patients, with optimal intervention durations of 1-2 months.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effectiveness of music therapy for patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Li, Y., Xing, X., Shi, X., et al.[2021]

Citations

1. jpsmjournal.com jpsmjournal.com/article/S0885-3924(24)00649-3/fulltext

Music Listening in Stem Cell Transplantation and Acute ... Music listening (ML) has been shown to have a beneficial effect on patients with cancer. However, novel intervention approaches are needed.

2. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/390705821_Development_of_an_eHealth_Mindfulness-Based_Music_Therapy_Intervention_for_Adults_Undergoing_Allogeneic_Hematopoietic_Stem_Cell_Transplantation_Qualitative_Study

Development of an eHealth Mindfulness-Based Music ... Development of an eHealth Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy Intervention for Adults Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-hematopoietic-cell-transplantation-hct-11-2024-75aca

Music Listening for Bone Marrow Transplant Research shows that mindfulness meditation, which is part of Mindful Music Listening, can help reduce stress and improve symptoms in cancer patients undergoing ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12007726/

Development of an eHealth Mindfulness-Based Music ... Development of an eHealth Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy Intervention for Adults Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Qualitative ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0885392424006493

Music Listening in Stem Cell Transplantation and Acute ... Music listening (ML) has been shown to have a beneficial effect on patients with cancer. However, novel intervention approaches are needed.

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1551714424001605

eHealth mindfulness-based music therapy for patients ... eHealth mindfulness-based music therapy for patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A pilot randomized controlled trial protocol.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6473402/

An Explorative Study of Qualities in Interactive Processes ... Conclusions: For the participants, music therapy developed into a significant and helpful experience, an important ingredient in coping with and ...

8. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/378726108_Music_Listening_in_Stem_Cell_Transplantation_and_Acute_Myeloid_Leukemia_A_Randomized_Clinical_Trial

Music Listening in Stem Cell Transplantation and Acute ... Results Data were evaluable for 96 of 100 consecutive initial, unique patient encounters; 55% were women, average age 50, and majority with ...

9. clinicaltrial.be clinicaltrial.be/en/details/457869?per_page=20&only_recruiting=0&only_eligible=0&only_active=0

Music During Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Hospitalizat... Mindful Music Listening (MML) group mean score \>=4 (reflective of an average response of "Agree") at post-intervention will be considered ...