TAMING THE STROMAL BEAST: IMATINIB'S TRIUMPH IN GASTROINTESTINAL STROMAL TUMORS – A 3-YEAR ODYSSEY AT GAUHATI MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL
Dr. Hare Krishna Deka, Dr. Purujit Choudhury and Dr. Devajit Choudhury*
ABSTRACT
This retrospective study unveils the long-term efficacy and safety saga of imatinib in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. Between June 2021 and May 2024, 35 patients with KIT-positive GISTs embarked on the imatinib journey. The primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints encompassed response rates, safety profile, and identification of prognostic factors. Results revealed a median PFS of 36 months and an estimated 3-year OS of 80%. These findings reaffirm imatinib's reign as the standard first-line treatment for GISTs in the Indian population.
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