RecruitingPhase 4NCT05215353

A Study Comparing Music Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety in Cancer Survivors

Music Therapy vs. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Cancer-related Anxiety (MELODY)

Sponsor

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Enrollment

368 participants

Start Date

Jan 14, 2022

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Survivorship

Summary

The researchers are doing this study to compare how music therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, given virtually, may be able to reduce anxiety in people who have had cancer. In addition, this study will see if certain factors affect how well participants respond to music therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. For example, the researchers will see if personal characteristics (like age, sex, race, and education) and ways of thinking (like expectations of therapy) may affect how well participants respond.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is comparing music therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for reducing anxiety in cancer survivors. Both therapies are delivered via video call. The goal is to find out which approach — structured music sessions or talk-based thought-and-behavior retraining — works better for cancer-related anxiety. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 years old or older - You have a prior cancer diagnosis of any type or stage - Your cancer is stable or in remission (no active progression) - You have notable anxiety symptoms (score of 8 or above on a standardized anxiety scale) lasting at least 1 month - You speak English or Spanish - You have access to Zoom and a quiet, private space **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You finished active treatment (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) less than one month ago - You have active suicidal thoughts, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or substance abuse - You have significant cognitive impairment - You have already received 7 or more music therapy or CBT sessions for anxiety in the last 6 months Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

OTHERMusic Therapy

Participants will receive seven weekly 60-minute treatments of music therapy. All sessions will be delivered virtually through Zoom.

OTHERCognitive Behavioral Therapy

Participants will receive seven weekly 60-minute treatment of cognitive behavioral therapy. All sessions will be delivered virtually through Zoom.

OTHERassessments

Participants will complete study assessments prior to randomization (week 0) and at weeks 4, 8, 16, and 26. A subgroup of 60 survivors will complete optional semi-structured interviews after treatment to understand their unique experiences with MT or CBT. All participants will be followed for 26 weeks.