Using virtual music therapy to help reduce anxiety in young cancer survivors.
Official title: Determining the Feasibility of Virtual Tailored, Music-Based Relaxation for Anxiety Among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors.
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10952065 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a fun online music program called TiMBRe to help young cancer survivors feel less anxious and improve their well-being, with the support of a music therapist over eight weeks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $300,924 |
| NIH project number | 1R34CA286712-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10952065 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescent and young adult cancer survivors aged 15 to 39 who are experiencing clinically relevant anxiety.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not cancer survivors or those outside the age range of 15 to 39 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the feasibility of a virtual music-based relaxation program designed specifically for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors experiencing anxiety. The program, called TiMBRe, involves tailored music experiences delivered by a certified music therapist over eight weeks, with sessions lasting 45 minutes each. The goal is to help participants develop self-awareness and coping strategies through music, ultimately aiming to improve their quality of life and reduce anxiety levels. This approach is particularly relevant given the low uptake of traditional therapy options among this demographic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel, accessible method for young cancer survivors to manage anxiety and improve their overall well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that music-based interventions can effectively reduce anxiety in adult cancer patients, suggesting potential success for this tailored approach in younger populations.
Where this research is happening
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University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knoerl, Robert James — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Knoerl, Robert James
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.