Apollo Proton Cancer Centre’s AI- Based Music Therapy Eases Chemotherapy for Cancer Patients

Chennai, February 28, 2025: Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), in collaboration with DigiNxtHlt Solutions (P) Ltd, has unveiled South Asia’s First Artificial Intelligence-Based Music Therapy under the ‘Echo Care’ product range. The pioneering MUSICC Study (Music Intervention for Cancer Care) marks a significant milestone in leveraging AI-driven personalized soundscapes to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy.

The groundbreaking MUSICC Study was unveiled by renowned vocalist and singer, Padma Bhushan & recipient of Sangita Kalanidhi, Srimathi Sudha Ragunathan, along with Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited (AHEL), Ms Sujatha Visweswara CEO & Co-Founder, Echo Care, The DigiNxtHlt Solutions (P) Ltd, and Dr. Sujith Kumar Mullapally, Consultant – Medical Oncology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC). 

Key Features of the AI-Based Music Therapy:

Personalized soundscapes designed using specific instruments for therapeutic frequency levels

Multi-language support in Hindi, English, and Tamil

AI-powered recommendations based on individual patient conditions

Continuous self-learning capability through patient usage and interactions

Integration with standard care protocols

Speaking at the launch event, Padma Bhushan Srimathi Sudha Ragunathan, emphasized the deep connection between music and healing. She said, “Music has always been a powerful medium of expression, where people find solace. It has the power to soothe, to heal, and to uplift. I am honouredto be a part of this initiative that brings music therapy to cancer patients. The MUSICC Study is a remarkable step in integrating music with medical science to aid cancer patients in their healing journey. It is heartening to see Apollo Proton Cancer Centre embracing such innovation for holistic patient care.”

The MUSICC Study is a first-of-its-kind initiative that uses personalized frequency-modulated soundscapesrecommended by an advanced AI engine to improve the well-being of cancer patients. The prospective pilot study, conducted by Dr. Sujith Kumar Mullapally and his team at APCC, successfully tested the impact of AI-curated music therapy in the oncology day-care setting. Over 50 patients were observed during chemotherapy sessions, and the results revealed a notable improvement in their quality of life, demonstrating the potential of music as a complementary therapeutic intervention in cancer care.

It is one of its kind and unique as it is focused on rendering personalised frequency-moderated soundscapes to patients undergoing chemotherapy at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre. These soundscapes are recommended by AI engine based on multi-class neural networks. It can self-learn and also learns continuously from patients’ usage and interactions. 

Dr. Sujith Kumar Mullapally, Consultant – Medical Oncology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, who led the study, shared insights on its impact. He said, “Cancer treatment is often physically and emotionally exhausting for patients and their caregivers. Through the MUSICC Study, we aimed to explore the potential of AI-driven music therapy in alleviating stress, anxiety and improving quality of life. Our study revealed better overall treatment experience and reduced anxiety with the use of AI–driven music. This study,thus is a significant step towards integrating non–pharmacological holistic measures like music into conventional cancer care worldwide.”

The study, approved by the Apollo Ethics Committee and the CTRI (Clinical Trials Registry), demonstrated meaningful improvements in anxiety and depression levels as measured by HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and FACT G-7 assessments.

Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, emphasized “At Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, we are not only pushing the boundaries of medical advancements but also reimagining the way we care for patients. The MUSICC Study is a testament to our dedication towards holistic healing and combining the precision of AI with the universal language of music to enhance the lives of those undergoing cancer treatment.”

As a leading institution in advanced cancer treatment, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre continues to integrate cutting-edge technology with compassionate care. The AI-powered echo care system is designed to make personalized music recommendations using multi-class neural networks that continuously learn from patient interactions. The system seamlessly integrates with standard cancer care, offering a unique mind-body intervention to help reduce stress, anxiety, and pain perception among chemotherapy patients.

Ms Sujatha Visweswara CEO & Co-Founder, Echo Care,The DigiNxtHlt Solutions (P) Ltd, said, “The fusion of AI and digital healthcare is revolutionizing patient care. Echo Care’s AI-driven soundscapes exemplify how advanced analytics and machine learning can create personalized healing experiences. Recently tested under Dr. Sujith’s guidance at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, echo care marks a paradigm shift in cancer care, where technology supports treatment and emotional well-being. We believe AI-based interventions like this will set a new standard in integrative healing, making cancer care more humane and effective.”

Echo Care is an AI-driven digital healthcare solution designed to provide personalized soundscape therapy. Itemploys advanced multi-class neural networks to assess patient conditions and recommend curated therapeutic music. The system evolves through continuous self-learning, ensuring an adaptive and evolving music therapy experience tailored to each patient’s needs. It is a collection of massive quantum data structures, akin to multiclass neural networks in a human brain. 

Unlike conventional music therapy, Echo Care Soundscape is a propriety and built-in ‘echo labs’ rendered at a particular frequency with design guided by neuro musicologstics and clinical psychologists. It is uniquely designed to elicit therapeutic benefits driven by AI technology and available on demand and specific to individual patients based on their condition for improved quality of life.

The successful implementation of this AI-based music therapy program reinforces Apollo Proton Cancer Centres’ position as a pioneer in comprehensive cancer care, combining advanced treatment modalities with innovative supportive care solutions to enhance patient outcomes and experience.

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