NCT07001033

Dance Movement Therapy for Radio-oncological Patients

Integrative, Resource-oriented Short Term Dance Movement Therapy for Radio-oncological Patients

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 8 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Dance-RT-01 investigates the feasibility and effects of Integrative, resource-oriented short term Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) in radio-oncological patients shortly after radiotherapy (RT). The study assesses clinical outcomes, including reduction of fatigue, improvement of quality of life (QoL), functional capacity and body composition. Immunophenotyping and laboratory blood analyses ensure objectively measurable results. Eligible patients participate in short term DMT, that is combined with psychotherapeutic elements. The trial aims to evaluate DMT's potential as a complementary therapy method in cancer care to support recovery and provide a comprehensive understanding of the therapy's effects.

Detailed description

The study is designed as investigator-initiated, prospective, non-randomized feasibility trial and includes radio-oncological patients (ECOG 0-2) who recently completed RT. The primary endpoint is to decide upon the feasibility, as well as identification of specific immunological changes in peripheral blood that contribute to the success of DMT (longitudinal analysis). The benefit for patients is seen in a resource activation after RT and improvement of well-being. Secondary endpoints include functional capacity, measured by maximum grip strength, body composition, assessed through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), assessment of QoL, pain and reduction of fatigue using validated and standardized questionnaires for patient reported outcomes with comparable results. In addition, immunophenotyping is performed. Further laboratory analyses include inflammatory markers, hormone levels, and nutritional biomarkers. These data are analyzed to evaluate correlation of immunological changes with clinical outcomes. Participants complete five weekly DMT sessions (90 minutes each). Each session integrates structured movement exercises, music, and psychotherapeutic elements, that can be tailored depending on each individual patient. The therapy is carried out by a certified therapeutic dance instructor with expertise in radio-oncology.

Conditions

• Cancer Patients and Physical Activity

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Dance Movement Therapy (DMT)	All participants will be invited to five group meetings at weekly intervals. Each of these therapy sessions will take place with a specific theme. In weeks 1 and 5, data important for the study will be collected once before the short-term DMT and once again at the end of the study. This includes different assessments, laboratory blood tests as well as immunophenotyping. Additionally, patients are requested to complete a questionnaire that addresses QoL. Specific examinations, such as testing the maximal handgrip strength, a BIA and recording Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status are implemented in each of the five meetings.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-02-22
• Primary completion: 2025-04-20
• Completion: 2025-04-20
• First posted: 2025-06-03
• Last updated: 2025-06-03

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Germany