Singing training versus usual care after lung cancer surgery (6–18 months post-operation)
Effects and Mechanisms of Online Delivered Singing Training vs Usual Care in Patients With Persistent Symptoms 6-18 Months After Surgical Resection for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) - a Multi-centre RCT
This trial will test whether an online singing program can help people who had surgery for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer 6–18 months ago feel better, breathe easier, and improve physical fitness.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Zealand University Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 5 sites (Copenhagen and 4 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07460999 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults who had curative surgery for stage I non-small cell lung cancer 6–18 months earlier and who report persistent symptoms are randomized to either a structured Singing for Lung Health (SLH) program or usual care. The SLH intervention is delivered twice weekly via online sessions and combines vocal exercises with breathing and physical components tailored to lung patients. Outcomes include symptom burden (using EORTC measures), physical function, breathlessness, and health-related quality of life measured before and after the intervention. The control group receives the standard post-surgical follow-up and rehabilitation offers available locally.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Danish-speaking adults 6–18 months after VATS resection for stage I NSCLC who report at least one clinically relevant persistent symptom, are motivated for randomization, can join twice-weekly scheduled online sessions, and have internet access on a tablet or computer.
Not a fit: People with unstable coronary disease, severe cognitive disability, an indication for adjuvant anticancer therapy, or those without internet access or unwilling to follow the scheduled sessions are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide an accessible, low-cost rehabilitation option that reduces symptom burden and improves breathing, physical capacity, and quality of life after lung cancer surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Singing-based rehabilitation (Singing for Lung Health) has shown benefits for physical and psychological outcomes in COPD patients, but it has not previously been tested in people after NSCLC surgery.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patients who display persistent symptoms 6-18 months (+/- one month) after surgical resection of localised lung cancer with video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) will be invited to participate in the study. Inclusion criteria for the study include: 1. Persistent symptoms, i.e., an EORTC-QLQ-C30 symptom domain score (in any item) of ≥2 (="clinically relevant symptom or problem that should have healthcare professional attention"), 2. Surgery for stage I lung cancer 6-18 months (+/- one month) earlier, 3. Motivated for participating in the project (and acceptance of randomisation procedure), 4. Access to a computer or a tablet with internet access, 5. Ability to speak and understand Danish, 6. Acceptance of the scheduled times of the singing intervention twice a week. Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion criteria include: 1. Unstable coronary diseases, 2. Severe cognitive disabilities (e.g., dementia), 3. Indication for adjuvant chemotherapy or other antineoplastic therapy, 4. Signs of lung cancer recurrence at regular follow-up CT scan. No previous singing experience or musical competence is required. Participants will be informed that they are allowed to participate in additional offer of structured or unstructured offer physical exercise training and/or singing along with the project.
Where this trial is running
Copenhagen and 4 other locations
- August Krogh Section for Molecular and Human Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen — Copenhagen, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital — Copenhagen, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Department of Medicine Roskilde and Næstved, Zealand University Hospital — Næstved, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital — Odense, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Lillebaelt Hospital — Vejle, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mette Kaasgaard, PhD
- Email: mkaasgaard@health.sdu.dk
- Phone: 4528940238
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.