Oncologists’ and Rheumatologists’ Approaches to Rheumatologic Adverse Events of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Objective: Immune checkpoint inhibitors are widely used in oncology but can cause immune-related adverse events (AEs) with autoimmune features. Collaboration between oncology and rheumatology is crucial for the management of rheumatologic adverse events (rAEs). This study aimed to assess the experience, approaches, and shared decision-making processes of rheumatology and oncology physicians in managing rAEs.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted via an online survey targeting physicians in rheumatology and medical oncology working in university, training and research, state, city, and private hospitals across Türkiye. A total of 99 participants completed the survey. The questionnaire collected information on demographic characteristics, clinical experience, diagnostic and treatment approaches, and collaboration in the management of rAEs.

Results: Arthritis was the most common rAE in both groups. Myositis and vasculitis were more frequently observed in oncology clinics with a statistically significant difference observed between the 2 groups (P < .0001 and P = .019 respectively). Severe rAEs (grade 3-4) were reported only by rheumatologists (10%), which was statistically significant (P = .034). Regarding education, nearly half of the participants in both groups had never received formal training on rAEs, whereas guideline nonadherence was markedly higher among rheumatologists indicating a statistically significant difference between the groups (P < .0001). The majority of both groups supported the establishment of a multidisciplinary clinic, while oncologists emphasized the need for faster access to rheumatology, with 11% reporting delayed consultation responses.

Conclusion: Educational gaps in rAE management and insufficient interdisciplinary collaboration were common, and most clinicians expressed the need for a multidisciplinary clinic.

Cite this article as: Dinçses Nas E, Güzelant Özköse, G. Oncologists’ and rheumatologists’ approaches to rheumatologic adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Cerrahpaşa Med J 2026, 50, 0058, doi: 10.5152/cjm.2026.26058