Abstract P2-12-04: Music Therapy Reduces Radiotherapy-Induced Fatigue in Patients with Breast or Gynecological Cancer: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a frequent side effect of radiotherapy, and may interfere with self-esteem, social activities, and quality of life. The authors investigated the influence of music therapy (MT) on the reduction of fatigue in women with breast or gynecological malignant neoplasia during radiotherapy. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial (control group-CG and music therapy group-MTG) to assess fatigue, quality of life using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-F and FACT-G) version 4 and symptoms of depression using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in women undergoing radiotherapy in three distinct moments (during the first and the last week of radiotherapy, and on the week of the intermediary phase). Individual 30–40 minute sessions of music therapy were offered to participants of the MTG. RESULTS: In this study, 164 women were randomized and 116 (63 CG and 53 MTG) were included in the analyses, with mean age of 52.9 years (CG) and 51.85 years (MTG). Participants in the MTG had an average of 10 MT sessions, during the study. FACT-F results were significant regarding Trial Outcome Index (TOI), synthesis of the Physical and functional well-being areas of FACT-F (p = 0.011), FACT-G (p = 0.005), FACT-F (p = 0.001) for MTG compared with CG. The depressive symptons were reduced to the minimum levels in the MTG (p = 0,005) with risk reduction of 74% (RR = 0,26; CI 0,10–0,70). CONCLUSIONS: Individual MT sessions are effective to reduce fatigue related to cancer and symptoms of depression, as well as to improve quality of life for women with breast or gynecological cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-12-04.