In a nutshell
This study examined whether listening to music during chemotherapy reduces anxiety in patients with newly diagnosed lymphoma. This study concluded that live music reduced anxiety in these patients.
Some background
During and after chemotherapy treatment, patients with lymphoma may experience severe anxiety. Fearful thoughts about the diagnosis and prognosis and side effects of therapy are common sources of this anxiety.
Previous studies have shown that music may help relieve anxiety in patients with newly diagnosed lymphoma. The music chosen by patients triggers emotions, bringing pleasure and distraction. This can help decrease pain and anxiety levels. Whether live music reduces anxiety more than CD music for patients with newly diagnosed lymphoma remains under investigation.
Methods & findings
This study involved 143 patients with lymphoma. All patients received first-line chemotherapy. Patients were divided into three groups. The first group listened to their preferred live music during treatment (47 patients). The second group listened to pre-recorded music on CDs (47 patients). The third group received standard care without music (49 patients).
The live music group had a 7% decrease in anxiety levels compared to the standard care group. The CD music group had a 5% decrease in anxiety compared to the standard care group. No difference was observed between patients with a high versus a low musical ability.
The bottom line
This study concluded that live music reduced anxiety in patients with newly diagnosed lymphoma during chemotherapy treatment.
The fine print
The number of chemotherapy sessions was different between patients. The number of patients included in each group was small. More studies are needed to confirm these results.
Published By :
Supportive care in cancer: official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
Date :
Feb 14, 2019
