Prospective Evaluation of Neoadjuvant Imatinib Use in Locally Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Emphasis on the Optimal Duration of Neoadjuvant Imatinib Use, Safety, and Oncological Outcome

Abstract

Our analysis supports treating GIST patients with neoadjuvant imatinib, which demonstrated favorable long-term results of combined therapy. However, careful monitoring of complications is necessary. The optimal duration of neoadjuvant imatinib use before surgical intervention is, on average, 6.1 months.