The research on gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) has been focused on enhancing patient outcomes, especially for those receiving first-line treatments. In this interview, Alexander Helfand, MD, a medical oncologist/hematologist at Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, emphasizes the need for improvement despite the prolonged survival and better disease control offered by targeted therapies compared with historical treatments. Dr. Helfand stresses the significance of discovering first-line options that provide better and longer disease control for patients. The focus is on studying combinations of different therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), to move the bar in GIST treatment.
Researchers of a notable trial, the PEAK trial, are examining the efficacy of bezuclastinib in combination with sunitinib compared with sunitinib alone. Researchers aim to address the need for better second-line treatments, especially for patients who have developed resistance to first-line therapy with imatinib. Other trials, such as those combining TKIs with immunotherapy, are also underway, with results expected to provide insights into the potential of these combinations in advancing GIST treatment. Dr. Helfand hopes that future research will address unmet needs by finding more effective first-line options and ultimately changing the standard of care through combination therapies.
Reference: Tucker N. Promising Research to Advance Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors. Targeted Oncology. Updated September 4, 2023. Accessed March 1, 2024. https://www.targetedonc.com/view/promising-research-to-advance-treatment-of-gastrointestinal-stromal-tumors
