Abstract

FERNANDEZ, A.  and  APARICIO, J.. Imatinib and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): a selective targeted therapy. Rev. esp. enferm. dig. [online]. 2004, vol.96, n.10, pp.723-729. ISSN 1130-0108.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are the most frequent mesenchymal tumors in the gastrointestinal tract. They originate from the interstitial cells of Cajal and are characterized by an anomalous receptor for a growth factor with tyrosine-kinase activity (c-kit). This anomaly causes a permanent activation of the receptor and uncontrolled cell growth. These tumors show a poor response to traditional chemotherapy drugs, and are thus associated with low survival in cases of advanced disease. Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is an example of selective targeted oncologic therapy that induces improved survival in these patients. We discuss two cases of metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors with a good response to imatinib, and also review the pathophysiology and treatment-related outcome of this type of tumors. We include results from clinical phase-III studies.

Keywords : Gastrointestinal stromal tumor; Imatinib mesylate; Receptor protein-tyrosin kinase; C-kit.

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