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Connective Tissue Oncology Society |
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| 2002 CTOS Annual Meeting Posters — Medical Oncology GASTROINTESTINAL
STROMAL TUMOUR: THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE Category: Medical Oncology Authors: Anne McTiernan1, Robyn Reagon1, Jeremy Whelan1 Author Institutions: 1The London Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Service, London, United Kingdom Presenter:
Anne McTiernan Objectives: The
management of patients with GIST has been fundamentally altered
by the introduction of Imatinib. Results in advanced disease have
shown dramatic results for a previously untreatable condition with
little major toxicity. The experience of patients may be complex
and varied, including emotions stemming from unexpected renewed
health and uncertainty associated with long term treatment with
a new drug. The observations of a clinical trial nurse have identified
particular patterns: a first generation of patients diagnosed before
Imatinib but who subsequently benefited from it and a second generation
offered treatment from the time of diagnosis or relapse. Methods: Illustrative
case histories include 2 patients diagnosed before the introduction
of Imatinib and had faced a terminal illness and 2 patients referred
at diagnosis or at relapse specifically for Imatinib. Results: Responses
were partial remission in 2 and stable disease in 2. Both patients
in the first group had a good symptomatic response with only grade
1-2 toxicities. One stated that any side effect would be acceptable
to achieve benefit. The other resumed full time work but remains
anxious about how long the response may last. In the second group,
one patient had multiple grade 1-2 toxicities similar to those of
her disease causing constant fears of tumour re-growth. Another
had no side effects but anxieties from living with a cancer still
in situ. All exhibited anxiety despite the success of treatment.
Conclusions: Health professionals caring for patents with GIST should recognise and acknowledge the additional issues faced by patients which accompany response to Imatinib.
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