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Published on: April 3, 2026
[Advanced dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans treated with imatinib mesylate]
Jian-hua Zhu1, Qiu-wen Li, Wen-hua Xiao
1Department of Chemotherapy, the First Affiliated Hospital of People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China. zjhua168@sohu.com
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy, side effects and toxicity of imatinib mesylate in the treatment of patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).
Methods:
Twenty-four cases of advanced DFSP diagnosed by pathology and treated in our hospital from Nov. 2004 to Oct. 2009 were included in this study. The patients were treated with imatinib mesylate (dosage: 400 mg, po, qd) and carefully observed for treatment efficacy, side effects and survival time. There were 2 patients taking the drug as second line therapy, and other 22 patients as third or more than third line therapy.
Results:
The 24 patients were evaluable for the efficacy. There were 8 patients (33.3%) with CR, 10 pts (41.7%) PR, 2 patients (8.3%) SD, and 4 patients (16.7%) PD. The disease control rate (DCR = CR+PR+SD) was 83.3%. The median response time in 18 cases with CR and PR was 5.6 months. The median survival time in 20 cases with disease control was 30 months, however, that in nonresponse (PD) cases was only 10 months. Side reactions related to imatinib mesylate included nausea and vomiting (20.8%), neutropenia (12.5%), and edema (8.3%).
Conclusions:
Our results are consistent with previous reports in the literature. Imatinib is a safe and effective moleucular target drug used for Chinese. Only mild adverse reactions occur in the treated patients. It is worth using imatinib in the treatment of advanced DFSP patients.
Insights
Imatinib mesylate shows significant efficacy in treating advanced dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), with a high disease control rate and manageable side effects. This molecularly targeted drug is a valuable option for patients with advanced DFSP.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare malignant skin tumor.
- Advanced and/or metastatic DFSP presents a significant treatment challenge.
- Limited effective systemic therapies exist for advanced DFSP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of imatinib mesylate in patients with advanced or metastatic DFSP.
- To evaluate the safety profile, including side effects and toxicity, of imatinib mesylate treatment.
- To determine the impact of imatinib mesylate on survival outcomes in DFSP patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 24 advanced DFSP patients treated with imatinib mesylate (400 mg daily).
- Patients received imatinib as second-line (2 patients) or third/later-line (22 patients) therapy.
- Efficacy, side effects, and survival time were meticulously monitored.
Main Results:
- A high overall response rate was observed: 33.3% complete response (CR), 41.7% partial response (PR).
- The disease control rate (CR+PR+SD) was 83.3%, with a median survival of 30 months for responders.
- Common side effects included nausea/vomiting (20.8%), neutropenia (12.5%), and edema (8.3%), generally mild.
Conclusions:
- Imatinib mesylate demonstrates significant efficacy and a favorable safety profile in treating advanced DFSP.
- The drug achieved a high disease control rate and prolonged survival in this patient cohort.
- Imatinib is confirmed as a safe and effective molecularly targeted therapy for advanced DFSP.
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