MUSIC INTERVENTIONS IN PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Pain is a disagreeable and distressing feeling that affects human beings in multi-dimensional ways. A number of non-pharmacological interventions have had varying degrees of success in treating cancer-related pain, such as breathing and relaxation techniques, and music therapy, which have been identified as beneficial therapies for alleviating pain and anxiety.

Objective: Identify the therapeutic effects of music interventions in psychological and physiological terms and on the quality of life of children undergoing cancer treatment.

Method: Systematic review of effectiveness based on the methodology of the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Results: Eleven articles were included with a total of 429 children, whose ages ranged from 0 to 18 years. The mean duration of the music intervention was 30.6 (±SD 9.8) min. In a combined estimate of five studies for pain and anxiety outcomes, there were benefits to using music when compared with the control group (SMD -1.05; CI 95 % -1.70 - 0.40 N = 453 I² = 90 %). A combined analysis of five studies to assess quality of life showed that the use of music was favorable when compared with the control (SMD -0.80; CI 95 % -1.17-0.43 N = 457= I² = 71 %).

Conclusion: After completing this review, it was determined that there is evidence to support the use of music to reduce pain and anxiety and improve the quality of life of children undergoing cancer treatment.