Abstract
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are rare malignancies characterized by c-kit and PDGFR-α mutations targeted by imatinib. Pleural effusion is a very rare side effect of imatinib treatment. A 65-year-old female with metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor developed electrolyte imbalance, severe peripheral edema and progressively worsening dyspnea 2 months after starting imatinib. Having excluded cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders, imatinib was discontinued and prednisone 25 mg orally daily was begun. The patient's condition improved substantially over the next 48 h with a progressive decrease in dyspnea and a reduction in pleural effusion and peripheral edema. All side effects had resolved within 1 month. In view of the partial response obtained, the patient re-started imatinib after a 1-week interruption. Prednisone was maintained and there was no further toxicity.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2423-2427 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Future Oncology |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 15 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 1 2014 |
Keywords
- gastrointestinal stromal tumor
- imatinib
- metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor
- pleural effusion
- toxicity
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oncology
- Cancer Research