A systematic review of medical art therapy for cancer patients

Title : A systematic review of medical art therapy for cancer patients

Abstract:

Background: Art therapy has gained recognition as a valuable complementary treatment for cancer patients, helping to alleviate emotional and psychological stress. This systematic review aims to explore the efficacy of various types of medical art therapy and identify characteristics that contribute to their effectiveness in oncology settings. To evaluate the different modalities of art therapy used in the treatment of cancer patients, focusing on their therapeutic outcomes and the specific elements that enhance their efficacy.

Methods: We searched databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library, for studies published from January 2010 to August 2025 that examined the effects of art therapy in cancer care. The inclusion criteria were studies involving structured art therapy sessions with measurable psychological outcomes. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, and data were synthesized using a meta-analytic approach when applicable.

Findings: The review included 35 studies, demonstrating significant benefits of art therapy in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and overall psychological distress in cancer patients. Effective programs commonly incorporated personalized art tasks, patient-centered therapeutic goals, and regular sessions integrated into the treatment schedule. Modalities such as painting, sculpture, and digital art were frequently used. The presence of a trained art therapist was also a critical factor in achieving positive outcomes, emphasizing the importance of professional guidance in therapeutic settings.

Conclusions: Art therapy serves as a potent modality for improving mental health and quality of life among cancer patients. The review highlights the need for tailored therapeutic approaches and professional facilitation to maximize the benefits of art therapy in medical settings. By identifying effective practices in art therapy, this review supports healthcare providers in integrating these artistic interventions into comprehensive cancer care plans, offering survivors additional resources for coping with their illness and enhancing their path to recovery.

Keywords: Art therapy, Cancer treatment, Psychological support, Complementary therapies, Patient-centered care.

Biography:

Dr. Manijeh Firoozi is an Associate Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Tehran, Iran. She holds a Ph.D. in Health Psychology & Fellowship in Psycho-Oncology from the University of Tehran. She has dedicated her academic and clinical work to advancing psychological interventions for individuals living with chronic illnesses. Her primary research interest lies in palliative and end-of-life care, where she focuses on developing evidence-based, compassionate psychological support systems tailored to the emotional and existential needs of patients facing terminal diagnoses. Dr. Firoozi’s commitment to this field is deeply personal: after losing her beloved brother, Dr. Mehran Firoozi, to cancer, she vowed to devote her work to easing the suffering of those at the end of life. Her research now bridges scientific rigor with human connection, striving to create impactful solutions that uphold dignity, meaning, and emotional comfort for patients and their families. Through international collaboration and interdisciplinary dialogue, she hopes to extend the reach of culturally sensitive palliative care models across borders.