Biology and Benefits of Music Play and Stories for Kids and Parents during B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. Compare the magnitude of change in child and parent cortisol levels between active music engagement (AME) and control during acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LyLy) treatment.

II. Examine cortisol as a mediator of AME effects on child and parent outcomes during ALL and LyLy treatment.

EXPLORATORY OBJECTIVE:

I. Examine the dose-response relationship of AME on child and parent cortisol during ALL and LyLy treatment.

OUTLINE: Participants are randomized to 1 of 2 groups.

GROUP I (AME): Participants attend weekly sessions over 30 minutes each with a board-certified music therapist for 4 weeks for children with standard risk and 8 weeks for children with high risk. During the sessions, the music therapist leads the participants in a variety of music play activities. Participants also receive a music kit that includes items such as hand-held rhythm instruments, puppets, and a music CD. Parents participate in interviews to understand any perceived benefits, as well as potential mechanisms action.

GROUP II (ATTENTION CONTROL): Participants attend weekly sessions over 30 minutes each with a board-certified music therapist for 4 weeks for children with standard risk and 8 weeks for children with high risk. During the sessions, participants choose, view and listen to an illustrated storybook with audio-recorded narration.

In both groups, parents and children undergo saliva collection before and after the first 4 sessions with the music therapist. Children undergo blood sample collection.