Exploring how cancer treatment affects musicians
Defining Musical Toxicity and Its Effect on Patient Well-being
This study looks at how cancer treatment affects musicians and what challenges they face with their music, to see if there are ways to help them during and after their treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT06494046 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study evaluates the experiences of musicians undergoing cancer treatment, focusing on the concept of 'musical toxicity'—the specific difficulties musicians face during and after treatment. The study aims to identify helpful interventions and assess how musicians' priorities regarding music change in relation to their cancer treatment. Participants are divided into two groups: those experiencing musical toxicity and those not, with data collected through questionnaires, interviews, and medical record reviews.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are active or accomplished musicians and are currently undergoing treatment for specific types of cancer.
Not a fit: Patients who do not regularly engage in musical activities during or after cancer treatment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how to better support musicians during cancer treatment, potentially improving their overall well-being.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of musical toxicity is novel, similar studies exploring the impact of art and music on health outcomes have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* \* Adults ≥ 18 years or older
* Active or accomplished musicians
* Those performing in the community as part of a group or as a soloist
* Those teaching lessons in an individual or group setting
* Those for whom music teaching or performance is a primary source of income
* Those who play music multiple times per week
* Our ideal cohort will consist of an equal number of patients with the following malignancies above the diaphragm:
* Brain
* Head and Neck
* Esophagus or Lung
* Breast
* Our ideal cohort will consist of an equal number of patients who engage in the following musical endeavors:
* Stringed instruments
* Wind instruments (including woodwind and brass instruments)
* Keyboard instruments
* Vocalists
Exclusion Criteria:
* \* \< 18 years
* Did not regularly attempt to engage in musical endeavors during or after cancer treatment
* Not willing or able to complete the questionnaire or engage in a one-hour interview (i.e. limited English proficiency)
Where this trial is running
Rochester, Minnesota
- Mayo Clinic in Rochester — Rochester, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dean A. Shumway, M.D. — Mayo Clinic in Rochester
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.