Trial Finds that Adjuvant Imatinib Impacts Recurrence-Free Survival
A recent clinical trial found that 1 year of adjuvant imatinib was able to increase recurrence-free survival. Keep reading to learn more.
Imatinib Rechallenge Impacts GIST Survival Rate
A recent nonrandomized study has shown that imatinib rechallenge impacted the survival rate for patients with advanced or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).
2013 LRG Research Team Progress Report
Accomplishments—Recent Progress: 1. Using mouse models, successfully attacked GIST with antibodies, essentially telling immune system to eat the cancer cells.
Muscle Cramps – Coping Strategies
Updated 2/9/2022 Muscle cramps can occur during cancer treatment, and it is a common side effect patients in our Patient Registry experience. GIST Treatments including Gleevec, Sutent, Stivarga, Qinlock and Ayvakit can cause a [...]
First GDOL Chicago hits a homerun!
Our first Chicago GIST Day of Learning (GDOL) was a huge success! Over 50 GISTers and their families gathered for a great day of learning, and sharing experiences. It was wonderful to get to meet so many new people and reconnect with old friends.
Carrie Broussard and Her ‘Little Brave Warrior’
Carrie Broussard gave birth to a healthy baby boy on May 1, after finding out she was pregnant in the midst of treatment with Gleevec. She named him Caelum, which in the Celtic origin means ‘brave warrior’ and in the Australian origin means ‘a gift.”
Pioneer Dan Vasella Gave the Gift of Time
Dan Vaella was instrumental in getting Gleevec to market. After 25 years at Novartis and Sandoz, he has chosen to step down as Chairman.
Antibody Slows GIST Growth According to Stanford University Study
A recent study at Stanford University School of Medicine shows that an antibody slows GIST growth. The study shows that the antibody binds itself to the surface of a GIST Tumor and causes the growth of cancer cells to slow in the mice they tested.
Imatinib Plasma Levels Revisited – An editorial post by Jerry Call
Since we have gotten a number of questions about Gleevec (imatinib) plasma levels and testing, I think it’s time to revisit the subject, especially for newer members. Since this is a very complex subject, this may take a few emails and a few days.
Case Study: challenges of long-term therapy in GIST
For 10 years Gleevec (at 600 mg) had been controlling his GIST, but Bob was struggling with the day-to-day side-effects of Gleevec. Most troubling were the muscle cramps, especially in the arms, that made it difficult to function effectively. Aching in the bones was also a problem; dealing with the side-effects of Gleevec had become a daily battle. Despite being treated at one of the best GIST centers in the country and despite taking supplements, such as calcium, the side-effects continued.