Results from a Continuation Trial of SU11248 in Patients with Imatinib-Resistant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
Here are the trial results from a Continuation Trial of SU11248 in Patients with Imatinib-resistant GIST.
SU11248 Works, Trial Ends 7 Months Early
SU11248 is similar to Gleevec in the way it works. It is a small molecule inhibitor of the receptor tyrosine kinases PDGFRA, VEGFR, KIT and FLT3. For patients with KIT or PDGFRA mutations, the main targets of this drug are still KIT and PDGRFA. SU11248 also inhibits VEGFR. This provides an anti-angiogenic effect in addition to the primary anti-tumor effect. All tumors need new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in order for tumor growth to occur; treatments that block the growth of these new blood vessels are called “anti-angiogenesis” treatments.
Is There a Role for Drug Level Testing?
Clinical trials have given us a lot of information about dosing Gleevec. Unfortunately, however, doctors and researchers do not always reach the same conclusions about what the data is telling them. Measuring Gleevec drug levels in patients may provide a measure of reassurance to patients and doctors that they are on the right course with regards to dosing.
Member Story – Sile Bao
GIST — Gastrointestinal stromal tumor. To doctors, this is a rare tumor that is usually found in the stomach. To me, a 15-year-old girl, it is something that has changed my life in so many ways. Growing up, I was always a healthy girl. I never got the flu or even a cold. Whenever I even fell and scratched my knee, I would get right back up and put a Band-Aid on it.