Music therapy for pain and quality of life in youth with sickle cell disease
Official title: Assessing Molecular Mechanisms and Effects of Music Therapy in Youth With Sickle Cell Disease Using Single-cell RNA-sequencing
Run by Emory University · NCT07562451 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a 4-week music therapy program can reduce pain and improve well-being in young people with sickle cell disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07562451 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are diagnosed with sickle cell disease, are English-speaking, have reliable internet access and a personal device, and meet chronic pain criteria per the IASP definition.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without chronic pain or lacking access to required technology may not experience benefit from the intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study will compare a 4-week music therapy program delivered via the Music Care platform to standard care in youth with sickle cell disease. It will assess changes in pain intensity, pain episode frequency, and health-related quality of life, alongside immune cell and gene expression changes measured by single-cell RNA sequencing. Participants are randomized to receive music therapy or a control condition, with outcomes focused on both psychosocial and molecular effects. The trial seeks to understand how a nonpharmacologic approach might influence pain pathways and inflammation in SCD. Molecular analyses aim to elucidate potential mechanistic links between music therapy and immune-related gene expression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a safe, nonpharmacologic option to help reduce pain and improve quality of life for youth with SCD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous nonpharmacologic approaches like music therapy have shown benefits for pain and mood, though the integration with single-cell RNA sequencing in SCD is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with SCD * English fluency (for survey completion) * Have access to a personal electronic device (e.g., phone, tablet) with access to the internet * Meet the criteria for chronic pain defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). IASP defines chronic pain as pain that is both: 1. Persistent or recurrent for ≥ 3 months 2. is associated with significant emotional distress or functional disability.30 Exclusion Criteria: * Major hearing deficiency or medical condition in which listening to music may be contraindicated (e.g., reflex epilepsy).
Where it's running
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Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Manoj Bhasin — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Manoj Bhasin, PhD
- Email: manoj.bhasin@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-712-9849
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.