Virtual tailored, music-based relaxation for anxiety in teenage and young adult 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-11415079 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A doctor-led plan will test a 8-week, online music-based relaxation program to help anxiety in adolescents and young adults who have survived cancer.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $104,689 |
| NIH project number | 5R34CA286712-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415079 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
AYAs aged 15-39 who have completed cancer treatment and experience clinically relevant anxiety.
✕Less likely to help
AYAs without anxiety or those unable to participate in online sessions may derive little or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at using personalized, music-driven relaxation sessions delivered online by a board-certified music therapist to help AYAs manage anxiety after cancer. It will run for eight weeks with weekly 45-minute sessions, adapted to each participant’s preferences. Researchers will measure feasibility and acceptability to see if a larger trial could work well. If successful, the approach could offer a less-stigmatizing option alongside traditional therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If feasible and effective, this program could provide a convenient, non-pharmacologic option to reduce anxiety for AYA cancer survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous adult cancer studies suggest music-based relaxation can help anxiety, but few include AYAs; this study explores fit for a younger population.
Where this research is happening
-
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
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Virtual personalized music relaxation for anxiety in young cancer survivors
This eight-week online program offers individualized music-based relaxation sessions led by a music therapist to help adolescent and young adult cancer survivors manage anxiety.
-
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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.