Music therapy for children with cancer and their families
Interaction-focused Music Therapy With Cancer Affected Children and Their Significant Others: a Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study With Subsequent Intervention (INMUT)
This study tests whether music therapy can help children with cancer and their families connect better and cope with the challenges of treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Witten/Herdecke Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Datteln and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05534282 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of music therapy on pediatric cancer patients and their families, focusing on enhancing family interactions through music. It compares two groups: one where both the child and a significant family member participate in music therapy, and another where only the child participates, alongside a waiting group with no intervention. The aim is to explore how music therapy can strengthen familial bonds and address psychosocial challenges faced by families during cancer treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include children diagnosed with cancer who are currently hospitalized and have no cognitive or auditory impairments.
Not a fit: Patients with serious comorbidities affecting brain function or those who cannot provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve emotional well-being and family dynamics for children undergoing cancer treatment.
How similar studies have performed: While music therapy is an established practice, this specific approach focusing on family interactions in pediatric oncology is relatively novel and has limited prior clinical research.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria, Children: * cancer diagnosis * inpatient (e.g. GKH) * no cognitive and auditory dysfunction Exclusion Criteria, Children: * Serious comorbidity with impairment of brain-organic functions * BMI\<14 * serious physical comorbidity that does not allow specific assessment of psychosomatic constructs with certainty * withdrawal of informed consent Inclusion Criteria, Important Reference Persons: \- e.g. father, mother, siblings Exclusion Criteria, Important Reference Persons: \- withdrawal of consent
Where this trial is running
Datteln and 2 other locations
- Vestische Kinderklinik Datteln — Datteln, Germany (Recruiting)
- Klinikum Dortmund — Dortmund, Germany (Recruiting)
- Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke — Herdecke, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alfred Längler, Prof. Dr. — Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke
- Study coordinator: Constance Boyde, cand. Dr.
- Email: constance.boyde@uni-wh.de
- Phone: 0049-2302/9267738
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.