Evaluation of Knowledge of Immunotherapy Toxicities Among Emergency Physicians in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Introduction Immunotherapy is considered a new modality in the treatment of cancer with emerging different toxicity profiles. It is essential for healthcare practitioners to be aware of these side effects. Emergency medicine physicians are first-line health providers and should have the required knowledge and understanding of immunotherapy-related adverse effects to be able to identify and manage such patients. The study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of immunotherapy toxicity among emergency medicine physicians in Riyadh. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at the largest emergency medicine training centers in Riyadh. In total, 106 emergency medicine physicians participated. The questionnaire contained multiple-choice questions that assessed the knowledge and management of immunotherapy-related toxicities. Results The majority of the participants were male residents. The response rate varied for the selected training centers. Regarding the level of knowledge regarding the toxic side effects of cancer immunotherapy, the majority were likely to choose "I don't know." Conclusion This study, in support of the literature, revealed the gap in knowledge of the basic principles of cancer immunotherapy, despite increasing uses and indications of immunotherapy. The findings indicate the need for non-oncologist health practitioners, including emergency physicians, to enhance their knowledge of immunotherapy-related adverse events in order to improve their clinical decision-making skills.