Background: Immunotherapy is the first-line treatment for melanoma and lung cancer and brings new risks of immune-related adverse events. We aimed to describe patients' knowledge about risks, benefits, and goals of immunotherapy.
Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with advanced melanoma or non-small cell lung cancer that used a 9-item knowledge survey and questions from the Prognosis and Treatment Perceptions Questionnaire.
Results: We surveyed 105 participants (57 with melanoma, 48 with lung cancer) with median age 69 years (range 36-89). Participants' responses revealed knowledge deficits about immunotherapy mechanism of action and lack of awareness about the timing and severity of side effects. One third (34%; 36/105) of participants reported that the primary goal of their treatment is to cure their cancer.
Conclusion: Given the widespread use of immunotherapy, patients would benefit from educational tools so that they know what to expect regarding side effects and prognosis.
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