Clinical journal of oncology nursing
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Review Case Reports
Nursing implications of imatinib as molecularly targeted therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), a form of soft-tissue sarcoma, is the most common noncarcinomatous tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite its high incidence of recurrence, the malignant potential of GIST has been under-recognized. Advances in diagnostic technology since 2000 have led to increased diagnoses of GIST, suggesting that GIST is more common than previously suspected. ⋯ Imatinib has been proven in several clinical trials to be effective against GIST and is currently the firstline medical therapy for malignant metastatic or recurrent GIST. Imatinib is administered as an outpatient oral drug and warrants nursing management with particular attention to potential side effects, significant drug interactions, monitoring, and patient education. This article--based on published trials and clinical experience--summarizes the nursing implications, clinical efficacy, and safety of imatinib as an effective and rationally targeted treatment for GIST.