biostudies-literatureUnknown20(11)Leal KCDSPsychological distress in cancer patients is a frequent and complex condition that significantly compromises quality of life, from diagnosis to palliative care. In this context, the use of music emerges as a promising, safe, and low-cost complementary practice capable of alleviating symptoms such as emotional distress. However, there are still gaps in the literature regarding the types, contexts, and specific effects of musical interventions in cancer patients. Thus, this protocol proposes a scoping review to map the available scientific evidence on the use of music as an intervention for the reduction of psychological distress in cancer patients. The methodology will adhere to the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-APloS onee0335895https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12643286biostudies-literatureThe use of music in nursing care for psychological distress reduction in cancer patients: A scoping review protocol.PMC12643286Ferreira MTRocha DOLeal KCDSCabral MALSilva LCMADantas DVDantas RANSilva GCMCosta LDRfalseThe use of music in nursing care for psychological distress reduction in cancer patients: A scoping review protocol.Psychological distress in cancer patients is a frequent and complex condition that significantly compromises quality of life, from diagnosis to palliative care. In this context, the use of music emerges as a promising, safe, and low-cost complementary practice capable of alleviating symptoms such as emotional distress. However, there are still gaps in the literature regarding the types, contexts, and specific effects of musical interventions in cancer patients. Thus, this protocol proposes a scoping review to map the available scientific evidence on the use of music as an intervention for the reduction of psychological distress in cancer patients. The methodology will adhere to the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-A2025-01-01T00:00:00Z20252026-06-05T16:54:53.97Z2026-06-05T03:06:42.548ZS-EPMC126432864128463510.1371/journal.pone.0335895