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Resolution of Persistent Fever and Systemic Inflammation in a Metastatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST) With Imatinib

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This case highlights the critical role of imatinib in managing gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), especially in metastatic cases where surgical resection is not feasible. In addition to controlling tumour growth, imatinib appears to help manage paraneoplastic symptoms such as systemic inflammation. The patient's atypical presentation with persistent fever and elevated inflammatory markers, which resolved with imatinib, underscores the need for clinicians to consider its immune-modulating properties in the management of GIST. A comparison with traditional treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgical resection, demonstrates the superior efficacy of imatinib in metastatic GISTs. While surgery remains essential for localized disease, imatinib has transformed the treatment landscape for metastatic and unresectable GIST, significantly enhancing patient outcomes. Further prospective clinical studies are warranted to deepen our understanding of the immune-modulating effects of imatinib and to optimize its use in GIST patients presenting with inflammatory symptoms.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.97356

Authors: Sumaya Akter, K S M Zibran Zalis Gaznavee, Rukhshana Rabbani, Shadman Sakib Rahman, Stergios Boussios

Institutions: Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Marsden Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Gastrointestinal Tumor Research and Treatment

Subfield: Gastroenterology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4416525367