Current management of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor receiving the multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib.
BACKGROUND
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), a form of soft tissue sarcoma, is often detected incidentally or at an advanced stage. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib malate (Sutent * ) is established as second-line treatment for the management of GIST after disease progression on, or intolerance to, first-line imatinib treatment. Several published reviews give guidance on management of side effects in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib, but fewer publications cover side-effect management in patients with GIST.


METHODS
Using published articles and abstracts, prescribing information, and personal experience in managing patients with GIST at a specialized center of excellence for cancer care, I review side-effect management recommendations for patients with GIST treated with sunitinib and provide an overview of GIST.


RESULTS
Sunitinib has a well described side-effect profile: most side effects occurring in patients with GIST can be easily managed by standard medical intervention and/or dose modification.


CONCLUSIONS
Care of patients with GIST can be enhanced through communication, support, knowledge, and education, with the goal of providing effective therapy and optimal symptom control.
Center for Sarcoma and Bone Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, MA , USA.
Amy Potter
AP
Pilotte
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000188:drug therapy; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D046152:Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007211:Indoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077210:Sunitinib
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007211:Indoles; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011758:Pyrroles; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D000077210:Sunitinib
GIST; Sarcoma; Side-effect management; Sunitinib; Tyrosine kinase inhibitors