Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor | Niche and Rare Pharmacor | G7 | 2014
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare cancers that belong to a group of cancers known as soft tissue sarcomas, which develop in supporting and connective tissues. GISTs account for approximately 20% of soft tissue sarcomas and are the most common mesenchymal tumors affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment of GIST is largely dependent on tumor size, location, and growth rate, and is most commonly in the form of surgical resection and/or targeted therapies.
Using primary research conducted with expert U.S. and European GIST specialists, including gastroenterologists and medical oncologists, this report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape and market opportunities for GIST. This report includes a comprehensive analysis of patient populations, current therapies and medical practices, unmet needs, and emerging therapies. Of the targeted therapies used to treat GIST, imatinib (Novartis’s Gleevec/Glivec), the first targeted agent to gain regulatory approval in this indication, is the most commonly used agent. Sunitinib (Pfizer’s Sutent) is approved for patients who are resistant or intolerant to imatinib as a standard second-line therapy. Regorafenib (Bayer HealthCare’s Stivarga), rechallenge with imatinib, palliative treatment, or enrollment in clinical trials are considered as third-line options.
