Abstract

The integration of neuroscience, music therapy, and artificial intelligence offers a transformative approach to palliative care for terminal cancer patients. This study presents the conceptualization and design of a neuro-responsive music intervention system that utilizes real-time heart rate variability (HRV) data and life review themes to generate personalized musical experiences. Rooted in affective neuroscience and autonomic regulation, the system aims to alleviate psychological distress, modulate physiological responses, and enhance existential well-being in patients facing end-of-life transitions. The system architecture combines biometric sensing, natural language processing (NLP), and adaptive music generation. Through structured life review interviews guided by the dignity therapy framework, emotionally salient memories and themes are extracted using NLP algorithms. Simultaneously, HRV and heart rate patterns are monitored via wearable biosensors to assess the patient’s physiological state. These data streams feed into an artificial intelligence engine that employs supervised and reinforcement learning models to curate or generate emotionally congruent music sequences in real time. The system fosters emotional regulation, reduces anxiety, and promotes autonomic balance by dynamically adapting musical elements such as tempo, tonality, and instrumentation to match the patient’s emotional narrative and physiological needs. Pilot implementation will involve terminal cancer patients in hospice settings, with outcomes assessed using both quantitative biomarkers (HRV changes, cortisol levels) and qualitative feedback (peace, emotional clarity, narrative coherence). This novel integration of biofeedback-driven music personalization, guided by narrative identity and grounded in neuroscientific mechanisms, holds promise for redefining non-pharmacological palliative interventions. It positions music as passive comfort and an intelligent, responsive therapeutic agent in end-of-life care.

Keywords: neuro-responsive music, artificial intelligence, palliative care, terminal cancer, heart rate variability, life review therapy, affective neuroscience.