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

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this trial is to develop an Independent Music Listening tool for stem cell transplant patients that have prolonged hospitalizations. The main questions it aims to answer are: \[primary hypothesis or outcome measure 1\]? \[primary hypothesis or outcome measure 2\]? Participants will use a self-guided music listening intervention of 1-hour daily music listening during their inpatient hsopitalization and delivered via web-based platform.

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 data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Mindful Music Listening (MML) for bone marrow transplant patients?

Research shows that mindfulness meditation, which is part of Mindful Music Listening, can help reduce stress and improve symptoms in cancer patients undergoing stem cell transplants. Additionally, music therapy has been found to improve relaxation and reduce anxiety and pain in transplant patients, suggesting potential benefits for those undergoing bone marrow transplants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is music listening safe for people undergoing bone marrow transplants?

Music listening has been studied in various settings, including for patients undergoing bone marrow transplants, and is generally considered safe. It has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress without any reported harmful effects. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

How is Mindful Music Listening (MML) different from other treatments for bone marrow transplant patients?

Mindful Music Listening (MML) is unique because it combines mindfulness (a mental practice of focusing on the present moment) with music listening to help improve mood and reduce stress during bone marrow transplant recovery. Unlike traditional treatments that may focus on medication or physical interventions, MML offers a non-invasive, holistic approach that can be used alongside other therapies to enhance emotional well-being. ^{2 6 8 10 11}

Research Team

Maria Olex, Psy.D.

Principal Investigator

University of Colorado, Denver

Eligibility Criteria

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

I am 18 years old or older.

Score ≥1 on the distress thermometer

Able to provide informed consent

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

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

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

Findings from Research

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Facing the challenges of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with mindfulness meditation: a pilot study. [2022]

2. Scotland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A qualitative study of blood and marrow transplant patient experiences participating in art making and music listening. [2018]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of music therapy in patients with high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell support: a randomized pilot study. [2018]

4. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music interventions for psychological and physical outcomes in cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2021]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Making Art and Listening to Music on Symptoms Related to Blood and Marrow Transplantation. [2017]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music therapy for patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplant. [2021]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of a Music Intervention on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial. [2021]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effectiveness of music therapy for patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2021]

11. United States 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. [2015]