| Abstract | Hodgkin Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system in which the disease spreads from one lymph node group to another. A combination chemotherapy treatment known as ABVD (Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, Dacarbazine) is commonly used to treat Hodgkin Lymphoma. Chemotherapy can have strong negative impacts on the body and specifically, the singing voice. Although there are multiple sources related to treatment protocols for laryngeal, thyroid,
breast and other cancers, there are few studies associated with Hodgkin Lymphoma or how ABVD chemotherapy treatment might affect the singing voice. To date, there are limited resources that inform singers and voice teachers on coping strategies for maintaining vocal health during chemotherapy treatment. Further, there is limited information on how chemotherapy treatment and cancer-related medications might affect general health, breath management, vocal stamina, range, or ensuing repertoire choices.
This study aims to investigate the effects of standard chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkin Lymphoma cancer on the singing voice. The study addresses two research questions: 1) What are the effects of ABVD chemotherapy for Hodgkin Lymphoma cancer on the singing voice? and 2) Are the effects of chemotherapy on the singing voice heard by Expert Listeners in the vocal field? To answer the first research question, a Singer Questionnaire is used to interview cancer patients on the perceived effects of chemotherapy on their voices. I also reflect on my experience of chemotherapy on my singing voice. To answer the second research question, voice professors, pedagogues, and speech-language pathologists (Expert Listeners) listened to recordings that I made of my voice pre-chemotherapy, during, and post-chemotherapy, and they rated specific vocal characteristics using devised rating scales.
I describe how ABVD chemotherapy and antiemetic medications affect the following parameters of the voice: range, resonance through vowels with dynamic contrasts, and staccato to legato articulation through vocal exercises and one song. With the data, written feedback, and my personal experience, this study will provide information to singers and singing teachers on the anticipated effects of ABVD chemotherapy on the singing voice and give insight into what vocal changes may occur during chemotherapy treatment and while taking antiemetic medication.
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