• Filippo Giordano, Chiara Rutigliano, Caterina Ugolini, Erika Iacona, Lucia Ronconi, Celeste Raguseo, Teresa Perillo, Angarano Rosa, Nicola Santoro, and Ines Testoni.
• Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (F.G.), University of Bari, Bari, Italy; Pediatric Hemathology-Oncology Unit (F.G., C.R., C.R., A.R., N.S.), University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy. Electronic address: filippo.giordano@uniba.it.
• J Pain Symptom Manage. 2024 Jul 1; 68 (1): e62e74e62-e74.

IntroductionThis study explores the feasibility and effects of music therapy on anticipatory nausea and vomiting, stress, pain and quality of life in adolescents undergoing chemotherapy.MethodsThis is a single group, quasi-experimental study using pre/post-test design. Participants received four individual sessions of music therapy (MT), led by a certified music therapist. State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory Y-1, and a 0-4 Likert scale for pain, nausea and vomiting were recorded. Heart rate variability (LF/HF) was collected during sessions. PedsQL was collected before and at the end of the trial. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants.ResultsA significant reduction in anxiety, nausea and vomiting, both pre-post single sessions and between different sessions, was observed. A significant increase in LF/HF and PedsQL scores was observed. Relevant themes also emerged from interviews.ConclusionResults support the feasibility of introducing music therapy with adolescents undergoing chemotherapy. Perceived stress and psychological/physical wellbeing were improved in participants.Copyright © 2024 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

32 keywords...

hide…