Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Blog
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Gleevec Prevents Return of Intestinal Cancer, Study Confirms
Posted 3+ months ago by Drugs.com
THURSDAY, March 19 – Taking Gleevec after surgery to remove a gastrointestinal stromal tumor improves tumor-free survival, a U.S. study has confirmed.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), the most common soft-tissue cancer of the intestinal tract, typically occur in the stomach or small intestine. About 3,000 to 4,000 cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. According to background information in the study, about 85 percent of these tumors have a protein that allows them to be inhibited by Gleevec, known as imatinib. Read more...
Related support groups: Gleevec, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Researchers Zero In on GI Cancers
Posted 3+ months ago by Drugs.com
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 14 – New research may one day help physicians identify those patients with gastrointestinal cancers who are most likely to benefit from certain treatments.
The discoveries, paving the way toward an era of personalized medicine, could save the U.S. health-care system millions while sparing patients the agony of receiving treatments that aren't going to help them. Read more...
Related support groups: Hepatic Tumor, Biliary Tract and Hepatic Tumor, Colorectal Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Stomach Cancer, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, Esophageal Carcinoma
Gleevec Approved for Use After Cancer Surgery
Posted 3+ months ago by Drugs.com
MONDAY, Dec. 22 – Gleevec, a "miracle drug" in curing certain types of adult leukemia, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to stop cancer growth after gastrointestinal cancer surgery.
According to an FDA news release, Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) can be used after removal of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). While this is a fairly rare form of cancer (5,000 - 6,000 new cases annually), the malignancy is particularly nasty because it can interfere with the flow of food and liquids through the intestines. Read more...
Related support groups: Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
