Imatinib mesylate preoperative treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumors: clinical analysis of 12 cases

Abstract

Objective Evaluation of imatinib mesylate treatment of unresectable/marginally resectable gastric and duodenal stromal tumors,as well as its side effect and the toxicity.Methods Oral imatinib mesylate was prescribed at the dose of 400 mg/d for 12 cases of patients with unresectable/marginally resectable gastric and duodenal stromal tumors.The evaluation of the adverse reactions was in accordance with United States NCI-CTC grading standards (3rd edition).Choi standard was used to evaluate the patients at 3 and 6 month time points.Results For hematological toxicity,only 1 case of patient with Ⅲ° decreased white blood cell count,and the rest patients were with Ⅰ° to Ⅱ ° degree.For nou-hematological toxicity,the author observed cardiac toxicity,liver function damage,renal function damage,diarrhea,abdominal pain,nausea/vomiting,fatigue,anorexia,muscle pain,rash,hair loss,skin and mucosa edema.Among them,there was only 1 patient with Ⅲ° skin rash,and 1 patient with Ⅲ° edema,all the rest were with Ⅰ° to Ⅱ °.Eight and 11 cases of patients were evaluated as partial remission (PR) after 3 and 9 months of treatment respectively.Among them,nine patients were given R0 resection and 2 patients denied surgery due to old ages.One patient was stable (SD).Conclusions Preoperative treatment of patients with unresectable/marginally resectable gastrointestinal stromal tumors by imatinib mesylate will increase the resection rate.The related toxicity can be well-tolerated. Key words: Stomach neoplasms; Imatinib mesylate; Treatment, preoperative