Review Article

The Effect of Music Therapy as an Adjunctive Treatment in Pediatric Cancer Patients Receiving Traditional Therapies: A Systematic Review

Debra M. Cole, EdD, PA-C, DFAAPA, Kaitlin Beane, PA-S, Madeleine Engel, PA-S, Madison Shaffer, PA-S, and Sarah Tartabini, PA-S

From Emory & Henry College, Marion, Virginia

Authors’ disclosures of conflicts of interest are found at the end of this article.

Correspondence to: Debra M. Cole, EdD, PA-C, DFAAPA, Emory & Henry College, 565 Radio Hill Road, Marion, Virginia 24354 E-mail: dmcole@ehc.edu

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to analyze articles that discussed the effect of music as adjunctive therapy to traditional treatments of pediatric cancer patients compared to a control of no music therapy. Background: Cancer is a leading cause of death in children, with over 400,000 children diagnosed annually. During standard oncologic treatments, children often experience psychological and physical adverse effects. The use of music therapy can provide numerous supportive benefits to pediatric patients as adjunctive treatment in reducing psychological and physical burdens. Design: This was a systematic review of English-language articles from PubMed. Methods: Nine outcome articles were utilized in this systematic review, including quantitative and qualitative reviews of case studies, interviews, historical accounts, randomized control trials, and other systematic reviews. Results: The study found increased quality of life (QOL) involving dimensions of mood, cognition, relaxation, self-esteem, vitality, and a sense of community involving interpersonal relationships. The implementation of music therapy in pediatric oncology patients decreased stress/distress and pain. Qualitative data suggests QOL dimensions of localization and control of feelings, sense of community involving social roles and ecological health, stress, distress, and pain, improved in pediatric oncology patients receiving music therapy. Conclusion: The literature supports music therapy as a complementary treatment during traditional therapies to help decrease stress and pain in children and improve quality of life and sense of community. Therefore, music therapy as an adjunctive therapy should be implemented into standard practice.

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