International survey on training of dermatology residents in supportive oncodermatology: the RESCUE study

  • Ariadna Ortiz-Brugués
  • , Davide Fattore
  • , Marie Boileau
  • , Ana Maria Forsea
  • , Zoe Apalla
  • , Vasiliki Nikolaou
  • , Tatjana Radević
  • , Jelena Stojkovic-Filipovic
  • , Azael Freites-Martinez
  • , Grazyna Kaminska-Winciorek
  • , Yannick Elshot
  • , Eszter Baltas
  • , Ana Clara Torre
  • , Julia Riganti
  • , Milan Anadkat
  • , Alexander Bang
  • , Monika Fida
  • , Bertrand Richert
  • , Lukas Kraehenbuehl
  • , Emily Avitan
  • Nuno Miguel Preto-Gomes, Jessica C. Hassel, Brent J. Doolan, Nicolas Kluger, Cécile Pagès, Benoit Guillon, Noémie Lacroix, Mario Lacouture, Vincent Sibaud

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: The dermatological management of cancer patients with cutaneous adverse events occurring during and after oncologic treatment is known as supportive oncodermatology. This includes prevention, early identification, and mitigation of dermatologic toxicities. The aim of the international RESCUE (Residents’ survey on training of dermatology residents in supportive oncodermatology) study was to ascertain the current level of expertise in supportive oncodermatology among dermatology residents. Methods: The European Task Force “Dermatology for cancer patients” and the US Oncodermatology Society developed an online questionnaire with 30 multiple-choice items. Responses were collected using qualitative ordinal data (yes/no, 1–5 ratings) and multiple-choice options. Ordinal range results were analyzed by aggregating responses 1 + 2 + 3 versus 4 + 5, with 5 representing the highest grade (“extremely confident” or “full training”). Results: A total of 442 dermatology residents from 20 countries replied. These participants reported receiving less comprehensive training in supportive oncodermatology (only 41% receiving complete training) compared to immunodermatology (75%), cutaneous oncology (75%), dermoscopy (64%), and dermatologic surgery (50%). Only 17% of the residents reported feeling confident in managing the dermatological toxicities associated with anticancer treatments. Residents also indicated receiving less education regarding toxicities related to endocrine therapies (28%). In particular, lower levels of competence were reported in managing nail, hair, and oral toxicities. A significant majority of residents (98%) deemed it essential to enhance training in dermatological toxicities associated with anticancer therapies during their oncology residency. Conclusion: The RESCUE study represents the first project assessing residents’ education in supportive oncodermatology. To enable future generations of dermatologists to provide enhanced care for cancer patients, supportive oncodermatology training should be integrated in residency programs worldwide, corresponding to training in other subspecialties. A more practical approach should also be incorporated, including extended training in hair, nail, and oral toxicities, enhancing the competencies of dermatology residents in all countries.

Original languageEnglish
Article number412
JournalSupportive Care in Cancer
Volume33
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2025

Keywords

  • Dermatologic toxicities
  • Dermatology education
  • Dermatology residents
  • Education
  • RESCUE
  • Residency
  • Residency education
  • Supportive oncodermatology
  • Training

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