Imatinib mesylate STI571 therapy for five patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors / 中华胃肠外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the therapeutic effect of STI571(imatinib mesylate) on advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 5 cases with advanced GISTs were analyzed retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of c- kit (CD117) was detected by immunohistochemical method in five patients with advanced GISTs . All patients failed to systematic chemotherapy or radiofrequency and operation because of extensive and multiple metastases (4 cases underwent 1 to 3 times of exploratory surgery). Tumor size was markedly decreased one to six months after STI571 given without serious drug- related side effects.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>STI571 is an effective chemotherapy for advanced unresectable or metastatic GISTs. Inhibitor of the Kit signal- transduction pathway is a promising regimen that is different from conventional chemotherapy for advanced GISTs.</p>