Aggressive Surgical Resection Combined With Imatinib Therapy for Liver Metastases From a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

Abstract

The use of imatinib mesylate has influenced survival in patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). However, whether a combination of imatinib and surgical resection can further prolong survival in these patients has not yet been fully elucidated. We report a case of a 59-year-old woman with multiple liver metastases from a jejunal GIST. The patient received imatinib therapy after partial resection of the jejunum, and she subsequently underwent right hepatic trisectionectomy. However, liver metastasis was detected again after surgery. Secondary imatinib therapy was started, and the patient underwent partial hepatectomy at the left lateral segment. Postoperatively, the patient underwent imatinib treatment and has survived without recurrence for 3 years. Imatinib is recommended for the treatment of advanced GIST; however, a complete response is rare, and approximately half of all patients develop resistance to imatinib. Aggressive surgical resection combined with imatinib may be effective for the control of advanced GIST.