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Five-Element Music and VR for Pain and Psychological Distress in Advanced Cancer: A Randomized Trial
Jingjing Song1, Yang Zhao2, Zijia Zeng1
1Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
|April 9, 2026
Summary
Combining Five-Element Music and virtual reality (VR) therapy significantly eased pain, anxiety, depression, and improved sleep quality in advanced cancer patients. This innovative approach also positively impacted serotonin levels, offering a promising non-pharmacological option for symptom management.
Area of Science:
- Integrative oncology
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Complementary and alternative medicine
Background:
- Advanced cancer patients frequently experience debilitating pain and psychological distress.
- Non-pharmacological therapies like Five-Element Music and virtual reality (VR) show potential for symptom management.
- The combined efficacy of Five-Element Music and VR in cancer care is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of combined Five-Element Music and VR therapy for advanced cancer patients.
- To assess the impact of this combined therapy on pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality.
- To investigate the effects on serum beta-endorphin (β-EP) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 66 advanced cancer patients.
- An experimental group received standard care plus daily 12-minute sessions of Five-Element Music and VR for seven days.
- A control group received standard care only. Outcomes were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA.
Main Results:
- The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in pain intensity, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality compared to the control group.
- Significant improvements in serum 5-HT levels were observed in the experimental group.
- While serum β-EP levels increased in both groups, no significant interaction effect was found between groups.
Conclusions:
- The combination of Five-Element Music and VR is a feasible and effective non-pharmacological intervention for managing pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in advanced cancer patients.
- This combined therapy modulates serum 5-HT levels, suggesting a potential biological mechanism for its effects.
- The findings support the integration of Five-Element Music and VR into supportive cancer care protocols.
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