Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) induces an objective response in the majority of patients with advanced, surgically incurable gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), but secondary resistance and late relapses do occur. While secondary resistance and late progression can be seen in GIST patients treated with Gleevec, many continue to benefit from drug therapy for a prolonged time, and responses can evolve over an extended treatment period. In particular, patients with exon 11 KIT mutations (the most common exon affected) have very high response rates and superior survival.

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