Comparing Music Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety After Cancer

About the Study

This study compares two non-drug approaches—music therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—to see how well they reduce anxiety in people who have had cancer.

Many people continue to experience anxiety after cancer. This study will compare two non-medication approaches to treating anxiety to learn which approach works best for different people and to better understand factors that influence how people respond to therapy.

The study is open to people diagnosed with all stages and with different types of cancer. 

What the Study Involves

Participants in the main study will be randomly assigned (by chance) to one of two groups:

Music therapy
Participants in the music therapy group will be asked to do the following: 

• Attend 7 weekly sessions (about 60 minutes each). Session will include activities such as:
  • Relaxation using music.
  • Listening, singing, or creating music.
• Sessions will be held virtually using Zoom.
• Sessions will be personalized and led by a trained therapist.
• Complete study assessments prior to starting (week 0) and at weeks 4, 8, 16, and 26.
• The study will follow participants for about 26 weeks.
• Some participants will be asked to complete optional interviews after treatment to understand their unique experiences.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Participants in this group will be asked to do the following:

• Attend 7 weekly sessions (about 60 minutes each). Sessions will focus on:
  • Understanding thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
  • Learning strategies to reduce anxiety.
• Sessions will be held virtually using Zoom.
• Complete study assessments prior to starting (week 0) and at weeks 4, 8, 16, and 26.
• The study will follow participants for about 26 weeks.
• Some participants will be asked to complete optional interviews after treatment to understand their unique experiences.

A substudy will enroll people living with metastatic cancer. Placement into groups and study participation will be similar to the groups listed above. 

People may be able to participate if they meet the following requirements: 

• Age 18 or older.
• Diagnosed with cancer in the past. 
• No active cancer or stable disease with no progression.
• Anxiety symptoms for at least 1 month.
• Able to speak English or Spanish.
• Willing to be randomly assigned to either group.
• Access to Zoom and a quiet, private space

Advanced Cancer Sub-study 

• Age 18 or older.
• Advanced, metastatic or nonresectable cancer (specific stage for eligibilty depends on cancer type).
• Currently receiving treatment or on active surveillance.
• Anxiety symptoms for at least 1 month.
• Expected survival of more than 6 months.
• Able to speak English.
• Access to Zoom and a private space.

People with the following are not able to participate:

• Completed active cancer treatment (e.g., surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) less than one month prior to enrollment (maintenance or adjuvant hormonal or targeted therapies may be allowed).
• Serious mental health conditions. 
• Significant problems with memory or thinking. 
• Received 7 or more cognitive behavioral therapy or music therapy sessions in the past six months.

Advanced Cancer Sub-study 

• Active serious mental health conditions.
• Significant cognitive impairment.
• Received music therapy within the past 6 months.
• Plans to start psychotherapy or change anxiety medications during the study.