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The Use of Tele-Music Interventions in Supportive Cancer Care: A Systematic Review
Lore Mertens1,2, Laura Tack1, Tom Boterberg2,3
1Department of Medical Oncology, OECI-Designated Kortrijk Cancer Centre, General Hospital Groeninge, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium.
Brain Sciences
|December 24, 2025
Summary
Tele-music interventions show promise for reducing cancer symptoms like anxiety and pain. Further research is needed to fully assess the effectiveness of these remote music therapy sessions in supportive cancer care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychology
- Digital Health
Background:
- Supportive cancer care increasingly utilizes remote interventions.
- Tele-music interventions offer a novel approach to address psychosocial needs in cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review current research on tele-music interventions in supportive cancer care.
- To identify gaps in the literature for future research directions.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive systematic search was performed across four major databases (Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed).
- Studies were selected based on PRISMA guidelines, with a focus on tele-music interventions and psychosocial outcomes.
- Nine studies were included for qualitative analysis, examining various delivery formats and music therapy techniques.
Main Results:
- Tele-music interventions varied in delivery (e.g., Zoom) and techniques, often involving music therapists.
- Outcomes measured included anxiety, depression, stress, and pain, with mixed results for anxiety reduction.
- Three studies reported significant anxiety reduction, while two showed no or limited improvement.
Conclusions:
- Tele-music interventions demonstrate potential in alleviating cancer-related symptoms such as stress, anxiety, depression, and pain.
- Heterogeneity in study design and methodological limitations hinder definitive conclusions on overall effectiveness.
- Digital technologies offer a scalable and cost-effective platform for delivering music interventions in cancer care.
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