Anticancer research
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Anticancer research · Sep 2014
Imatinib escalation or sunitinib treatment after first-line imatinib in metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor patients.
Imatinib mesylate (IM) is effective in metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients; however, disease progression eventually occurs due to IM resistance or intolerance. Treatment options include IM escalation or a direct shift to sunitinib, but comparison of these strategies is required. ⋯ Comparable results were achieved by IM escalation and sunitinib treatment. Physicians should consider kinase mutations and specific adverse effects when choosing between these treatments.