How is KIT+ GIST treated?
Surgery is the initial treatment for resectable GISTs. However, even if the tumor is successfully removed, there is a risk of recurrence. Some microscopic cancerous cells could remain and start to grow in the original tumor site or elsewhere. That is why postsurgical treatment options should be considered. These may include adjuvant therapy with GLIVEC, an oral drug that suppresses KIT activation, in addition to regular monitoring for tumor recurrence.Ann Surg/2000″>2,9 For unresectable or metastatic KIT+ GISTs, the first-line treatment is GLIVEC oral therapy. Chemotherapy and radiation have not proven effective in GIST.
