Path to Immunotherapy – What Is Driving Immunotherapy Use? : The Allergies, Immunotherapy, & Rhinoconjunctivitis (AIRS) Patient Survey

Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) is one of the most common chronic diseases in the US, and specific immunotherapy (SIT) is one of the most effective therapies. The AIRS study was designed to assess patient knowledge and experience with SIT. A national sample of 34,030 US households using dual frame composed of random digit dialing and cell phone sample were contacted. SIT-related questions were asked of patients diagnosed with hay fever, allergic rhinitis, rhino-conjunctivitis, nasal or eye allergies with symptoms or medication use for their condition in the past 12 months. A total of 2765 subjects participated in the survey. Only 46% reported seeing healthcare professional in past year. 32% had ever heard of SIT. Of subjects aware of SIT, 65% had discussed SIT with their providers. Providers recommended SIT to 80% of those subjects. On average, subjects expected only 85% symptom relief to consider medication successful. The most common reason for considering SIT was the belief that SIT was more effective (48%). Subjects who received subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) reported lack of symptom resolution (32%), bothersome/severe symptoms (19%), and doctor recommendation (17%) as common reasons for starting. Among subjects receiving SCIT > 6 mos 62% completed recommended number of shots. When asked which provided the most symptom control, 39% reported SIT and 50% reported medications. Of the number who received sublingual SIT (n=50), 40% reported continued allergy medication use. Educational efforts to improve ARC patient expectations and awareness of, knowledge about, and experience with SIT are clearly warranted.