Using music to help young children with leukemia and their parents cope with treatment stress

Biologic Mechanisms and Dosing of Active Music Engagement to Manage Acute Treatment Distress and Improve Health Outcomes in Young Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Parents

NIH-funded research Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10878989

This study is looking at how making music can help young children with leukemia and their parents feel better emotionally and physically during treatment, and it aims to show how music therapy can improve their overall well-being.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10878989 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how active music engagement can help manage the emotional and biological stress experienced by young children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and their parents during treatment. The study involves a randomized controlled trial that examines the effects of music therapy on both psychosocial and biological outcomes, including immune function. By exploring the dose-response relationship of music therapy, the research aims to provide a deeper understanding of how music can alleviate distress and improve quality of life for families facing cancer treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young children aged 3-8 years diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and their parents or caregivers.

Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or are outside the age range of 3-8 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the emotional well-being and immune health of young children undergoing cancer treatment and their caregivers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results for music therapy in improving psychosocial outcomes in pediatric cancer care, but this study aims to explore its biological effects, making it a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Indianapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.