Emerging treatments for advanced cholangiocarcinoma: Addressing the knowledge gap.

Abstract

484 Background: The identification of actionable genetic mutations for patients with cholangiocarcinoma has enabled more effective treatments for this condition, but research indicates that clinicians face challenges in maintaining a working knowledge of evolving data. This study was conducted to determine if an online, case-based continuing medical education (CME)/nursing continuing professional development (NCPD)–approved activity could identify and address gaps in clinicians’ knowledge regarding the individualized treatment of patients with cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: The activity, Emerging Treatment Strategies for Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma, chaired by Lipika Goyal, MD, was made accessible starting on May 24, 2021. Learners participated in a 1-hour activity that highlighted emerging therapeutic targets in cholangiocarcinoma, with an emphasis on novel therapies for advanced disease and strategies to monitor and manage treatment-related adverse events. Learners completed a repeated-pairs pre- and post-activity assessment consisting of case-based questions that gauged their ability to apply emerging data to clinical decision making. Knowledge gaps and learning gains were calculated based on percentages of learners obtaining correct responses on the pre- and post-activity assessments. Significance was assessed using a chi-squared test. Results: As of September 27, 2021, 224 clinicians had completed the activity for credit. Baseline assessment data revealed gaps in knowledge regarding emerging actionable targets and management of treatment related-adverse events. The activity resulted in significant gains in knowledge and competence related to these topics, with P < 0.0001 for all learning gains. Conclusions: These data indicate that a substantial knowledge gap exists regarding the latest developments in cholangiocarcinoma treatment. They also demonstrate that online, case-based CME/NCPD-approved activities can result in statistically significant improvements in clinicians’ knowledge of therapeutic advances and management of treatment-related adverse events for patients with cholangiocarcinoma.[Table: see text]