New insights in tailored treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumours

Promotie: dhr. B. Rikhof, 16.15 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Proefschrift: New insights in tailored treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumours

Promotor(s): prof.dr. W.T.A. van der Graaf, prof.dr. J.A. Gietema, prof.dr. A.J.H. Suurmeijer

Faculteit: Medische Wetenschappen

Contact: via de persvoorlichters van het UMCG, tel. 050-361 2200, e-mail: voorlichting bvl.umcg.nl

New insights in tailored treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumours

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are tumours that arise in the muscle wall of the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs are characterized by the over-expression of the receptor KIT that is mutated in most of the tumours. These mutations promote cell division and inhibition of programmed cell death. The introduction of imatinib and sunitinib, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors active against KIT, has considerably improved the life expectancy of patients with metastatic GIST. However, no patients are cured with these compounds because of resistance to these drugs either initially or during a prolonged period of treatment. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies need to be developed. In this thesis, studies exploring new molecular targets for the treatment of GIST are presented.