Trial reportSupportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer2025
Effect of music therapy and relaxation visualization intervention on mask anxiety in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy-a randomized controlled trial.
Trial report in Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
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Abstract
purposeHead and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) often experience mask anxiety due to the use of thermoplastic masks for immobilization. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a combined music therapy and relaxation-visualization intervention in reducing mask anxiety among HNC patients receiving RT at a tertiary care super-specialty oncology hospital in central India.
methodsA total of 216 HNC patients scheduled for RT were randomized into either the intervention group (N = 108) or the control group (N = 108). Mask anxiety was assessed using a modified distress thermometer (MDT) at baseline and after five RT sessions. Participants in the intervention group listened to pre-recorded soft instrumental, non-lyrical music and practiced a guided relaxation-visualization technique during their first five RT sessions. The control group received standard medical care.
resultsOf the enrolled participants, 208 were included in the final statistical analysis (intervention group: N = 100; control group: N = 108). At the end of five RT sessions, the intervention group showed a statistically significant reduction in mask anxiety scores [median (IQR): 2 (2)] compared to the control group [median (IQR): 6 (1)], with p < 0.001. No adverse events were reported. However, four participants discontinued the intervention, citing distracting thoughts and difficulty concentrating.
conclusionThe findings support the potential of music therapy combined with relaxation-visualization as an effective non-pharmacological intervention to alleviate mask anxiety in HNC patients undergoing RT. Integrating such complementary strategies into routine oncology practice may enhance emotional well-being, promote treatment adherence, and improve overall treatment outcomes. Further large-scale validation is warranted. REGISTRATION NUMBER OF THE CLINICAL TRIAL: CTRI/2023/02/049409 (Registered prospectively on 02/02/2023).
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