Imatinib mesylate in the management of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST)

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours are the most common mesenchymal neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract and are highly resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The purpose of this manuscript is to present a comprehensive review about the treatment of this relatively new disease. A profound analysis is done concerning the effect of Imatinim mesilat (Glivec) as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of advanced GIST. The predictive role of the mutations in c-kit gene on the outcome of the GIST treatment with Glivec is recognized. In conclusion Glivec® is a highly specific target therapy, which completely has changed the paradigm for understanding cancer. This drug revolutionized the treatment of GIST, achieving three times longer survival comparing with the historical controls. © Springer-Verlag 2010.