P.038 Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and malignancy screening: a survey of the current practices amongst Canadian neurologists and rheumatologists

Abstract

Background: There is a well-established association between idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) and malignancy. There are no evidence-based guidelines amongst neurologists and rheumatologists on the choice and timing of malignancy investigations. Our aim is to characterize the current gaps and uncertainties amongst neurologists and rheumatologists with malignancy screening in IIM patients. Methods: An online survey consisting of 18 multiple-choice questions related to IIM malignancy screening was distributed to adult neurologists and rheumatologists in Canada. Quantitative and descriptive analysis was performed. Results: The majority of respondents (96%, n=68) performed malignancy screening. There was variability in practice including delegation and choice of screening tests, influence of patient-specific factors, and time and length of repeat testing. Only 18% of respondents were confident in their malignancy screening practices. Between neurologists and rheumatologists, there were differences in the number of IIM patients seen, consideration of patient-specific factors and choice of screening investigations. Further details and data will be presented at the conference. Conclusions: There is a lack of consensus and confidence in the choice and timing of malignancy investigations in IIM, with neurologists and rheumatologists differing in their approaches. Further research is required to better understand the relationship between IIM and malignancy to create expert-led consensus guidelines.