Imatinib mesylate in the palliative treatment of patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Abstract

Imatinib, a small molecule that blocks tyrosine kinases (c-kit, bcr-abi), has demonstrated its high efficacy in the treatment of advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in a whole number of clinical trials. Patienjjts benefit significantly from palliative therapy and their overall survival is several fold longer compared to the era before this preparation.

Thus, in the treatment of advanced GIST, we may justifiably speak of the "years before imatinib" and the "years after imatinib".

Keywords

• Imatinib mesylate
• palliative treatment
• patients
• advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor