title: Nursing implications of imatinib as molecularly targeted therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
abstract: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), a form of soft-tissue sarcoma, is the most common noncarcinomatous tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite its high incidence of recurrence, the malignant potential of GIST has been under-recognized. Advances in diagnostic technology since 2000 have led to increased diagnoses of GIST, suggesting that GIST is more common than previously suspected. Historically, the only treatment for GIST was surgical resection, but recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease have led to the development of a new treatment. A key factor in the growth and survival of cancerous GIST cells is the uncontrolled activation of a signaling enzyme known as KIT, a receptor tyrosine kinase, which becomes locked in an activated state. The abnormal signaling from the overactive KIT enzyme causes GIST cells to survive and proliferate uncontrollably. Imatinib mesylate is an oral drug designed to inhibit the kinase enzyme activity of KIT. Imatinib has been proven in several clinical trials to be effective against GIST and is currently the firstline medical therapy for malignant metastatic or recurrent GIST. Imatinib is administered as an outpatient oral drug and warrants nursing management with particular attention to potential side effects, significant drug interactions, monitoring, and patient education. This article--based on published trials and clinical experience--summarizes the nursing implications, clinical efficacy, and safety of imatinib as an effective and rationally targeted treatment for GIST.
authors.forename: Jeanne M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Griffin
authors.forename: Myra St
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Amand
authors.forename: George D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Demetri
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001549:Benzamides; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015195:Drug Design; D004347:Drug Interactions; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000451:nursing; D005260:Female; D046152:Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010879:Piperazines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011379:Prognosis; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D010879:Piperazines; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011743:Pyrimidines; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases