Research Progress of Imatinib Preoperative Chemotherapy in Treatment of Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

Objective To discuss the role of imatinib preoperative chemotherapy in treatment of advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST). Method The related literatures about imatinib preoperative chemotherapy for GIST were reviewed. Results Imatinib preoperative chemotherapy is an effective treatment for advanced GIST, which signifi cantly improve the resection rate and prolong the overall survival time for patients with advanced GIST. Conclusions Preoperative imatinib treatment has good effect for metastatic or locally advanced GIST. It should be individualized by gene type of the GIST, which is deserved to be further studied.