Five-element music therapy reduces anxiety and depression and improves sleep quality in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
This meta-analysis of 20 RCTs (1588 patients) found that five-element music therapy (FEMT) significantly reduced anxiety (SAS MD=-7.16, 95% CI -9.56 to -4.67; HAMA MD=-5.19) and depression (SDS MD=-7.07; HAMD MD=-5.89) scores compared to control. FEMT also improved sleep quality as measured by PSQI (MD=-2.52, 95% CI -2.89 to -2.16). However, the certainty of evidence was low to very low due to methodological limitations.
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Five-element music therapy reduces anxiety and depression and improves sleep quality in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy The current body of evidence comprises 1 study and 1 meta-analysis. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 63/100 (low).
The Claim
Five-element music therapy reduces anxiety and depression and improves sleep quality in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
This conclusion is most relevant to: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Effects of five-element music therapy on chemotherapy patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (Complementary therapies in medicine, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸FEMT may modulate emotional state through auditory stimulation and relaxation responses
- ▸Reduction in anxiety and depression may lead to improved sleep quality
- ▸Improved emotional state and sleep may enhance quality of life
- ▸FEMT may also modulate immune function (increased CD3+, CD4+) and reduce oxidative stress (increased SOD, decreased NO)
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Methodological quality of included studies was generally low, with most outcomes graded as low or very low certainty evidence
- ▸Generalizability outside of China remains unclear due to limited number, characteristics, and methodological quality of studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is five-element music therapy?▼
Five-element music therapy is a traditional Chinese medicine-based intervention that uses music corresponding to the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) to harmonize emotions and improve health.
How effective is five-element music therapy for sleep in chemotherapy patients?▼
The meta-analysis found a significant improvement in sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), with a mean difference of -2.52 points (95% CI -2.89 to -2.16), indicating better sleep.
What are the limitations of this evidence?▼
The evidence is limited by low methodological quality of the included RCTs, potential risk of bias, and the fact that most studies were conducted in China, so generalizability to other populations is uncertain.
Should cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy use five-element music therapy?▼
While the therapy shows potential benefits for anxiety, depression, and sleep, patients should discuss with their healthcare providers, as the evidence quality is low and more high-quality international trials are needed.
References
- 1.Sun T, Zhao R, Shan X, Zhu Y, Zhang Y, Zheng Y. “Effects of five-element music therapy on chemotherapy patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..” Complementary therapies in medicine, 2026. PMID: 42551573 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103411