Targeted Therapy in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) pathogenesis have resulted in the development of a treatment approach which has become a model of targeted therapy in oncology. The introduction of imatinib mesylate [inhibiting KIT/PDGFRA (platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α) and their downstream signaling cascade] has dramatically improved the therapy of advanced (inoperable and/or metastatic) GIST. Imatinib has now become the standard of care in the treatment of patients with advanced GIST and its efficacy has been proven also in adjuvant setting after resection of primary high-risk tumors. However, a majority of patients eventually…