TANGO - Effect of Tango Argentino on cancer-associated fatigue in breast cancer patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background The majority of breast cancer patients suffer from persistent impairments after completion of their primary oncological therapy. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in particular is a multidimensional syndrome having a profound negative impact on the quality of life. To counter CRF symptoms, exercise and physical activity are suggested as first-line interventions, mind-body therapies have been shown to be effective, and music therapy can also reduce anxiety and stress in breast cancer patients. Tango therapy that combines various elements may therefore have beneficial effects in breast cancer patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a 6-week tango module is suited as a therapeutic approach for people after primary breast cancer therapy to favorably influence their quality of life, especially CRF levels. Methods Sixty patients with a diagnosis for stage I-III breast cancer 12-48 months before enrollment and with CRF (age > 18) will be recruited and randomized 1:1 to a tango or a waiting-list group. Movement concepts using elements of Argentine tango (self-awareness, musical and spatial perception, self-perception, playfulness, shared experience) will be examined with the participants during six consecutive weekly one-hour tango sessions. The primary outcome will be the improvement of CRF (German version of the Cancer Fatigue Scale) and the secondary outcomes will be the improvement in sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30). Patient reported outcomes will be measured at baseline and six weeks later; follow-up will be performed six, twelve and twenty four months after baseline. An evaluation will be performed by means of descriptive data analyses. Discussion Argentine tango, as a music-based movement therapy, can influence physical, psychological and cognitive skills. The therapeutic use of Argentine tango in the care of breast cancer patients has not yet been reported. It is anticipated that participants receiving the tango module will have improved CRF, sleep and quality of life scores compared to a waitlist control. Trial registration Trial registration number DRKS00021601. Retrospectively registered on 21 August 2020.