Effect of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor STI571 in a patient with hepatic metastases from a duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors. The molecular etiology is the result of mutations in the c-Kit gene. The mutant c-Kit proteins, which are activated without a stem cell factor, contribute to the tumor development. STI571 selectively inhibits c-Kit, BCR-ABL, and PDGFR tyrosine kinases. Based on this potential to inhibit critical c-Kit function in GISTs, case studies have reported effective outcomes following treatment with STI571. This case report describes a highly effective use of STI571 in a 54-year-old woman with multiple liver metastases from a GIST originating in the duodenum.