Music therapy to reduce distress and pain for lung cancer patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery
Official title: Effect of a Music Intervention in Reducing Distress and Pain in Patients With Suspected or Diagnosed Lung Cancer Undergoing Mini-Invasive Surgery
Run by Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland · NCT07235098 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a music therapy session can lessen distress and pain in adults with suspected or confirmed lung cancer who are having minimally invasive lung surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 74 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bellinzona, Canton Ticino) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 19, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07235098 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) with suspected or confirmed lung cancer undergoing minimally invasive lung surgery who consent to participate and can follow the study protocol.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with hearing loss, those on certain medications affecting anxiety or cortisol, or those unable to adhere to the music protocol may not experience benefit.
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 examines the effect of a music therapy intervention on psychological distress and pain in patients with suspected or confirmed lung cancer receiving minimally invasive lung resection. The trial also explores changes in a stress biomarker, serum cortisol, and whether patients need fewer analgesics for pain control. Music therapy, delivered by a trained therapist, is distinguished from passive music listening and is tailored to the patient’s needs. Outcomes include reductions in distress and pain, with secondary assessment of cortisol levels and analgesic use. The study is conducted at the Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland in Bellinzona, involving adult participants who meet specific eligibility criteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience less distress and pain during the perioperative period and may require fewer analgesics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in cancer care has shown benefits of music therapy for symptom relief, supporting potential efficacy in this surgical context.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Suspected or confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer * Age ≥ 18 years * Indication for lung resection through a minimally invasive surgery * Signed written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Endocrinological disorders involving cortisol axis * Chronic steroid intake \> 10 mg/day * Concomitant treatment with drugs against symptomatic anxiety and/or depression * Partial or complete hearing loss * Inability to follow the schedule of investigation * Patient unwilling to refrain from actively listening to other music (e.g., via other personal devices/headphones) outside of the prescribed musical intervention defined by the study protocol during the hospitalization.
Where it's running
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Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI)
Bellinzona, Canton Ticino, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Patrizia Froesch, MD
- Email: patrizia.froesch@eoc.ch
- Phone: +41 91 811 48 40
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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.