Steady progress has been made in our understanding of the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). The tyrosine kinas inhibitor, imatinib, exhibits impressive anti-tumor effects against GIST and has become the first-line therapy for treating patients with advanced disease. The pathogenesis of GIST, the mechanisms accounting for imatinib resistance, and potential future perspectives are discussed.
- Stefan Sleijfer
- Erik Wiemer
- Jaap Verweij
