Gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Nishida, T.; Ohmori, T.; Matsuda, H.
Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer and ChemoTherapy 31(3): 331-336
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0385-0684 PMID: 15045935 Document Number: 568179
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), the most common submucosal tumor in the gut, express the KIT protein. Gain-of-function mutations in the KIT or PDGF-R alpha gene is involved in oncogenesis and growth of GISTs. Although the first-line therapy of resectable GISTs is surgery, imatinib mesylate, a target-based molecule against KIT and PDGF-R alpha proteins, showed remarkable clinical effects and good tolerability for non-resectable GISTs. Now, imatinib is in the first-line for non-resectable GISTs. Resistance against imatinib, however, is proved after long-standing use of the drug.