Elsevier

Journal of Thoracic Oncology

Volume 4, Issue 10, October 2009, Pages 1270-1273
Journal of Thoracic Oncology

Brief Report
Imatinib Mesylate in Patients with WHO B3 Thymomas and Thymic Carcinomas

https://doi.org/10.1097/JTO.0b013e3181b6be57Get rights and content
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Abstract:

Thymic malignancies are rare tumors of the mediastinum. c-KIT is highly expressed in thymic carcinomas (TC) but infrequently in thymomas. Anecdotal experience suggests activity of imatinib mesylate in TC. Patients with unresectable World Health Organization B3 thymomas or TC, performance status 0 to 2, good organ function, and measurable disease were enrolled in this study. Imatinib was administered at 600 mg PO daily. Seven patients were recruited at one institution: two World Health Organization B3 thymomas and five TC. Imatinib treatment was generally well tolerated. Two patients had stable disease and five progressed. Median survival was 4 months, and median time to progression was 2 months. c-KIT expression was found in one of four samples by immunohistochemistry. No mutations were detected in the c-KIT or PDGFRA genes in three samples analyzed. Imatinib has no major activity in this rare tumor. Given the small number of patients treated in this study, selection based on presence of c-KIT mutations might be warranted.

Key Words:

Imatinib
KIT
Thymoma

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Disclosure: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.