NCT07845422 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
A Study of Music Therapy for Anxiety in People With Cancer
What this study is about
The researchers are doing this study to compare two different music-based treatment approaches and see if one may work better to reduce anxiety. The researchers will also study whether these music-based treatment approaches help people feel socially connected and change how they cope with anxiety, and whether these changes are linked to lower anxiety levels.
View original scientific description
The researchers are doing this study to compare two different music-based treatment approaches and see if one may work better to reduce anxiety. The researchers will also study whether these music-based treatment approaches help people feel socially connected and change how they cope with anxiety, and whether these changes are linked to lower anxiety levels. Both approaches use music-based activities to treat anxiety. One of the approaches uses an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered song creation platform to write songs with a music therapist. The other approach involves music listening exercises and music-based discussions with research staff, during which you will learn about music culture and history.
Interventions
OTHER
AI-Assisted Collaborative Songwriting (ARTIST) Intervention
Patients will complete outcome measures of anxiety, social-cognitive outcomes, and co-morbid symptoms at baseline, week 4, week 8, week 16, and week 26.
OTHER
Time and attention matched-music listening (TAME)
TAME control will involve Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)-trained research staff guiding participants through passive music listening exercises. This control group is designed to match therapist attention and contact time of ARTIST, as well as control for music engagement unrelated to the active ingredient of ARTIST. Patients will complete outcome measures of anxiety, social-cognitive outcomes, and co-morbid symptoms at baseline, week 4, week 8, week 16, and week 26.
Primary outcome measures
anxiety reduction
Time frame: 26 weeks
anxiety reduction at week 26 being the primary endpoint greater reduction in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) anxiety subscale
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Patients must have a pathologically confirmed advanced cancer diagnosis: stage III or IV lung cancer; any stage pancreatic cancer, unresectable cholangiocarcinoma, unresectable liver cancer, unresectable ampullary or peri-ampullary cancer, or other stage IV gastrointestinal cancer; stage III or IV ovarian or fallopian tube cancers or other stage IV gynecologic cancer; stage IV breast cancer; stage III testicular cancer or any stage IV genitourinary cancer; stage IV sarcoma; stage IV melanoma; stage IV endocrine cancer; lymphoma, myeloma, or leukemia
- Currently receiving oncological treatment
- Age ≥ 18; English or Spanish-speaking
- Ambulatory as indicated by a Karnofsky performance score of 60 or higher
- Score of 8 or higher on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) anxiety subscale
- Anxiety symptoms lasting for at least 1 month
- Greater than 6-month expected survival as judged by the treating oncologist
- No diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or substance abuse
- Score of 10 or higher on Blessed Orientation-Memory-Concentration indicative of dementia
- No prior receipt of music therapy within the past six months
- Not currently receiving any form of psychotherapy
- Concomitant Medications
- No initiation or change in scheduled anxiety medications (e.g., anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants) within the past 4 weeks
- Initiation or change in PRN anxiety medications are allowed within the past 4 weeks
- No plan to initiate or change scheduled anxiety medications during the study
- Initiation or change in PRN anxiety medications are allowed during the study
- Access to an internet-connected device
- Able to provide informed consent
- Willing to adhere to study procedures, including randomization, session attendance, and completion of assessments
Where
- Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- Middletown, New Jersey
- Montvale, New Jersey
- Commack, New York
- Harrison, New York
- New York, New York
- Uniondale, New York
Collaborators
Drexel University
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 28, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations