Imatinib in gastrointestinal stromal tumor: does treatment duration matter?
Whereas 10 years ago no effective systemic therapy was available for gastrointestinal stromal tumors, the introduction of imatinib into clinical practice has dramatically improved the outcome of advanced disease, through favorable impact on disease-free survival for some patients with a localized and resectable tumor. This review provides a clinical perspective on the available data, evidence- or expert-based, for calculating the optimal treatment duration with imatinib.
Adenis
Antoine
A
Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France. a-adenis@o-lambret.fr
Penel
Nicolas
N
Blay
Jean-Yves
JY
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001549:Benzamides; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D046152:Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D010879:Piperazines; D011743:Pyrimidines; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate