Cicala CM, Olivares-Rivas I, Aguirre-Carrillo JA, Serrano C. KIT/PDGFRA inhibitors for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: getting to the gist of the problem.
Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024;
33:159-170. [PMID:
38344849 DOI:
10.1080/13543784.2024.2318317]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Approximately 90% of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are driven by activating mutations in receptor tyrosine-kinases KIT or PDGFRA. Despite the outstanding results of first-line imatinib in advanced GIST, resistance ultimately occurs mainly through secondary mutations in KIT/PDGFRA. Other tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) with a broader spectrum of activity against these mutations are approved after imatinib failure. However, response rates and progression-free survival are drastically lower compared to imatinib. Notably, imatinib also triggers early tolerance adaptation mechanisms, which precede the occurrence of secondary mutations.
AREAS COVERED
In this review, we outline the current landscape of KIT inhibitors, discuss the novel agents, and present additional biological pathways that may be therapeutically exploitable.
EXPERT OPINION
The development of broad-spectrum and highly selective TKIs able to induce a sustained KIT/PDGFRA inhibition is the pillar of preclinical and clinical investigation in GIST. However, it is now recognized that the situation is more intricate, with various factors interacting with KIT and PDGFRA, playing a crucial role in the response and resistance to treatments. Future strategies in the management of advanced GIST should integrate driver inhibition with the blockade of other molecules to enhance cell death and establish enduring responses in patients.
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