Music Therapy and Childhood Cancer: Goals, Methods, Patient Choice and Control During Diagnosis, Intensive Treatment, Transplant and Palliative Care

Music therapy literature in the area of childhood cancer is reviewed, particularly related to the incidence, pathology and treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Music therapy goals, methods and method variations to be used with children diagnosed with ALL and AML are suggested in relation to four phases of inpatient stay: diagnosis, intensive treatment, bone marrow transplant and palliative care. Case material is included to illustrate the use of music therapy within this context and to assist the music therapy practitioner with the development and implementation of programs with seriously ill children and their families. Points of personal reflection are also included.