Management of metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumour in the Glivec era: a practical case-based approach

Intern Med J. 2006 Jun;36(6):367-77. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2006.01077.x.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumour is now recognized as a distinct pathological malignancy and has received much attention over the last few years. Despite almost universal resistance to chemotherapy, a novel therapy, Imatinib, which targets the KIT receptor, has changed the natural history of this disease. We have audited the first 26 consecutive patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumour treated over 4 years at a single institution. A practical guide to the management of common toxicities and drug resistance is reported with a review of the published reports. Many of the strategies used are likely to be widely applicable to the use of targeted therapies in other malignancies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Benzamides
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / drug therapy*
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / pathology
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / surgery
  • Humans
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / drug therapy
  • Piperazines / adverse effects
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / genetics
  • Pyrimidines / adverse effects
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Benzamides
  • Piperazines
  • Pyrimidines
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit