Evaluation of the usefulness of an immune-related adverse events interview application.

Abstract

e13555 Background: Regarding the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), early detection of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) is important for preventing serious complications. We developed a smartphone application called irAEs self-reported interview system (ISRIS) for detecting irAEs at home, which can be monitored in real time by medical professionals. This system is currently being implemented clinically at several hospitals in Japan. In this study, we investigated and evaluated the usefulness of ISRIS in Chu-Shikoku in Japan in a multicenter study. Methods: This investigation included outpatients who received ICIs between September 2020 and June 2024 and had the application installed on their smartphones. The investigation items included treatment regimen and dosage, type of cancer and irAEs, frequency of ISRIS usage, and sensitivity and specificity for detecting irAEs to evaluate the efficacy of our ISRIS system. Results: In total, 100 patients (female/male: 26/74, mean age: 65 years, range: 26–87 years) installed the application on their smartphones. The types of cancer were as follows: lung cancer (n = 18), malignant melanoma (n = 16), gastric cancer (n = 13), renal cell cancer (n = 12), hepatocellular cancer (n = 10), urothelial cancer (n = 6), malignant pleural mesothelioma (n = 5), head and neck cancer (n = 4), esophageal cancer (n = 4), biliary tract cancer (n = 4), endometrial cancer (n = 3), breast cancer (n = 2), uterine cervical cancer (n = 1), classic Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 1), and cancers of unknown primary origin (n = 1). Of these patients, 21 developed irAEs, including interstitial pneumonia (n = 5), thyroid dysfunction (n = 5), skin disorders (n = 3), adrenocortical dysfunction (n = 2), hypopituitarism (n = 2) colitis (n = 3), liver disorders (n = 1). All patients with irAEs had used ISRIS at least 1 week before the onset of irAEs. irAEs were detected by ISRIS in 11 patients, indicating 52% sensitivity and 53% specificity. Conclusions: Our ISRIS application enables patients to monitor the occurrence of irAEs at home using a self-reported medical interview system. Additionally, real-time confirmation of interview and contacts at home by healthcare professionals can reduce anxiety about adverse events among cancer patients and contribute to the continuation of their treatment. We believe that ISRIS can support safe and secure chemotherapy for cancer patients treated with ICIs.