[Imatinib mesylate STI571 therapy for five patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the therapeutic effect of STI571(imatinib mesylate) on advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).


METHODS
Clinical data of 5 cases with advanced GISTs were analyzed retrospectively.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Shen
Kun-tang
KT
Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China.
Hou
Ying-yong
YY
Qin
Xin-yu
XY
Song
Lu-jun
LJ
Sujie
Akesu
A
D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001549:Benzamides; D005260:Female; D046152:Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / Q000378:metabolism; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D001549:Benzamides; D010879:Piperazines; D011743:Pyrimidines; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit