An innovative music therapy approach for pain management in patients with cancer
1|Muriel Thomaso|Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier|Département soins de support|France|
2|Marta Jarlier|Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier|Unité de biométrie|France|
3|Fanny Salasc|Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier|Direction de la recherche clinique et de l’innovation|France|
4|Fanny Salasc|Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier|Direction de la recherche clinique et de l’innovation|France|
5|Amandine Terrasson|Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier|Direction de la recherche clinique et de l’innovation|France|
6|Maryline Laigre|Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier|Département soins de support|France|
Background: Patients with advanced cancer often experience disease- and treatment-related pain. Previous studies have shown that music therapy can help manage pain. We evaluated the effects of an innovative approach of music therapy on pain in patients with advanced cancer. This new approach uses music intervention, performed by a trained music therapist, to induce relaxation in patients, allowing for real-time patient management and tailored sessions.
Methods: This prospective, monocentric study included patients with advanced cancer and a pain score ≥3 before the intervention. The study has been carried out in accordance with current French regulations, in particular the Public Health Code. A trained music therapist performed a single music intervention to induce a state of deep relaxation in the patient. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of music therapy on pain levels using a numerical scale. The effect of analgesic intake before the session was also assessed. Secondary objectives included quality of life using the ESAS scale, patient satisfaction, and interest in future sessions.
Results: Forty patients were included. Patients pain significantly decreased from 4.9 (CI95%: 4.3 – 5.4) to 3.5 (CI95% : 2.9 – 4.2) (p<0.0001) following music intervention, regardless of analgesic intake. Patients’ quality of life improved, with a significant reduction in fatigue (6.20 vs. 4.32) and anxiety (2.7 vs. 1.0) (p<0.0001), and an improvement in well-being (5.18 vs. 3.3) (p<0.0001). The mean satisfaction score was 8.9 (CI95%: 8.37- 9.33), and 95% (CI95% : 83.1- 99.4) of patients were willing to have a second session. Conclusions: A single session of music-induced relaxation reduced pain levels in patients with advanced cancer and improved their quality of life. In addition, patients were also highly satisfied. The implementation of music therapy in cancer care facilities could improve patient well-being. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of this practice.