Sunitinib, a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in the management of gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Abstract

Due to the remarkable advances in the understanding of the biology of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), tyrosine kinase inhibition has become the mainstay of therapy for patients with advanced GIST. Sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with a wide range of kinase inhibition, including KIT, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and FLT3. Sunitinib has demonstrated benefit in patients with advanced GIST who have progressed on primary therapy with imatinib. The objectives of this review are to discuss the role of sunitinib in the current management of GIST, to review the unique side effect profile of the agent, and to discuss future trends in the use of the drug as the understanding of the mechanism of GIST evolves.