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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Robotic Duodenal Sleeve Resection for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor with Rare Exon 8 KIT Mutation Following Neoadjuvant Imatinib
Published on: April 3, 2026
Neoadjuvant imatinib therapy for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Anne Han1, Elbert H Chen, George Niedt
1Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA. dr.annehan@gmail.com
Background:
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an unusual soft-tissue tumor with a propensity for subclinical extension and local recurrence. Surgical excision, even with tissue-sparing techniques, may cause significant deformity or disability because of the infiltrative nature of DFSP. In this study, we evaluate retrospective data obtained from 4 patients with locally advanced or recurrent DFSP who received neoadjuvant imatinib mesylate therapy before undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery.
Observations:
Patients treated with neoadjuvant imatinib therapy had an average tumor size reduction of 36.9%. This clinical response was paralleled by histopathologic changes, including decreased cellularity in 100% of the total area as well as significant hyalinization. Imatinib therapy for DFSP before Mohs micrographic surgery was associated with 100% local control at a maximum follow-up of 4 years.
Conclusions:
Neoadjuvant imatinib therapy is a well-tolerated, novel approach to DFSP that reduces tumor burden and facilitates resection. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm and expand on these results.
