Imatinib mesylate in the treatment of unresectable and/or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors / 中国癌症杂志

ABSTRACT

Purpose:To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of imatinib mesylate (STI571) in the treatment of unresectable and/or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).Methods:Ten patients with unresectable and/or metastatic GIST received imatinib at doses of 400 mg qd.Results:Among 9 evaluable patients, 4 achieved a partial response and 4 had stable disease. Ten patients were evaluable for toxicities. The nonhaematological toxicities included edema (mainly periorbital edema), abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting, fatigue, intratumoural bleeding, intermittent muscle cramps and conjunctivitis. Myelosuppression was an infrequent side effect.Conclusions:Imatinib mesylate is an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase and has been proven to be active in patients with unresectable or metastatic GIST. Toxicity is acceptable.