Survey on the current status of novel cancer drug therapies for gynecological cancers in Japan: a nationwide survey by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG).
OBJECTIVE: To characterize real-world implementation of novel therapies in gynecological oncology in Japan and identify actionable gaps through a nationwide survey. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed to Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology-affiliated institutions. The items covered institution characteristics; use of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), kinase inhibitors, and antibody-based agents; local adverse event (AE) manuals; availability of expert panels and immune-related adverse event (irAE) teams; and perceptions of educational sufficiency. RESULTS: Valid responses were obtained from 245 institutions, spanning universities, cancer centers, and general hospitals. Most institutions reported the routine use of PARP inhibitors, ICIs, kinase inhibitors, and antibody drugs. However, only 40.4% of institutions had an in-hospital irAE management team, 57.1% had an AE/irAE manual, and 31.0% and 12.2% considered prior educational opportunities sufficient for physicians and nurses/other medical staff, respectively. High-volume institutions and academic centers were significantly more likely to have medical oncology support, expert-panel access, irAE teams, manuals, and higher self-rated evidence-based management capacity. The majority favored e-learning and society-led case conferences, and 76.3% supported the development of drug therapy subspecialties in gynecologic oncology. CONCLUSION: Innovative drug modalities are widely implemented across Japanese gynecological oncology services. However, critical gaps persist in multidisciplinary irAE management, standardized manuals, and practical education. Coordinated society-led programs to expand irAE teams, streamline companion diagnostics, disseminate ready-to-use algorithms, and provide credential-targeted training may enhance safety, equity, and evidence-concordant care nationwide.