Awareness of immune-related adverse events among medical residents in a community hospital.

Abstract

e15154 Background: Immunotherapy has paved the way for new frontiers in the management of certain advanced cancers. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have substantially improved prognosis in patients with advanced malignancy. Primary targets for ICIs include programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1), programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4(CTLA-4). These treatments have a wide range of adverse effects distinct from traditional chemotherapy regimens. We conducted a survey to assess the awareness of immune-related adverse events (IRAE) among medical residents in a community hospital. Methods: Internal medicine residents in a community hospital were given a survey of 10 questions related to IRAEs. A total of 40 responses were collected and analyzed. Results: 22.50% respondents were aware that nephrotoxicity is not a common side effect of immunotherapy. 35% were aware that cutaneous toxicities are the most common IRAEs. 42.50% were aware that hair loss is not a common side effect of ICIs. 42.50% were aware that patients do not need pretreatment with anti-emetics before immunotherapy. 45% were aware that the onset of hepatotoxicity is usually not seen within the first week of starting immunotherapy. 50% were aware that immunotherapy is associated with the development of pneumonitis. 62.5% were aware that steroids formed mainstay of treatment in IRAEs. 65% were aware that immunotherapy is associated with thyroid-related side effects. 67.5% were aware that patients with pre-existing autoimmune conditions are at greater risk for immune-related adverse effects. 70% were aware that immune related colitis was not treated with antibiotics. Conclusions: With the rapid advancement and use of immunotherapy the incidence of IRAEs is increasing. Involvement of single or multiple organ systems as well as flare of previously well controlled autoimmune disease can add to the challenge. As we gain more experience, long term data will emerge to help predict at-risk patients. This is a dynamic area of research and new treatments are under development. 6/10 questions were answered correctly by less than 50% respondents and 4/10 were answered correctly by 50-70% respondents. At present no data is available to gauge awareness regarding IRAEs among internists. Our survey suggests a lack of awareness among medical residents on many fronts. Lack of awareness leads to inappropriate treatment and prolonged hospital stay. Active efforts need to be taken to educate residents regarding immunotherapy and IRAEs to achieve better patient outcomes.