6th Edition of World Nursing Science Conference 2026

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a challenging side effect for pediatric oncology patients, affecting their quality of life and adherence to treatment. It can interfere with the child’s nutrition, emotional well-being, and a child’s willingness to continue therapy, leading to additional hospitalizations and delays in care. Studies estimate that up to 70–80% of pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy experience nausea or vomiting, making effective symptom management crucial to their care. Although anti-nausea medications are commonly used, they often do not fully alleviate symptoms, especially early school-age children. In addition, young children may experience increased anxiety around treatment, which can heighten their perception of nausea and reduce the effectiveness of medication. This paper explores music therapy as a complementary treatment for reducing nausea in pediatric oncology patients during chemotherapy. Music therapy, a holistic intervention involving listening to, creating, or engaging with music under the guidance of a certified therapist, aims to reduce stress and improve emotional and physical well-being. Studies show that music therapy can reduce anxiety, lift mood, and distract from physical discomfort, all of which can contribute to decreasing perception of nausea. Research highlights include a pilot study where patients who engaged in music during chemotherapy experienced significantly lower nausea levels than those receiving only standard anti-nausea medications. The findings suggest that integrating music therapy with pharmacological care could provide a more holistic approach to managing chemotherapy-induced nausea in pediatric patients, addressing both their physical and emotional needs. As a non-invasive and cost-effective adjunct, music therapy holds promise for enhancing overall patient experience and treatment outcomes in pediatric oncology settings.