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Robotic Duodenal Sleeve Resection for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor with Rare Exon 8 KIT Mutation Following Neoadjuvant Imatinib
Published on: April 3, 2026
6
Urgent surgery for intraperitoneal bleeding from GIST during imatinib therapy
Takehiko Enomoto1, Tatsuo Kanda2, Kazuhito Yajima1
1Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan.
Clinical Journal of Gastroenterology
|July 21, 2015
Summary
Bleeding from gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) during imatinib therapy is rare but serious. This case highlights intraperitoneal bleeding from GIST as a critical adverse event to consider in patients experiencing abdominal pain.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms.
- Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor commonly used to treat GIST.
- Rupture or bleeding of GIST during imatinib therapy is a life-threatening but infrequently reported event.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of intraperitoneal bleeding from GIST during imatinib therapy.
- To emphasize the importance of considering GIST bleeding as an adverse effect of imatinib.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 75-year-old male patient with GIST and liver metastasis.
- Diagnosis of GIST rupture leading to hemoperitoneum.
- Surgical intervention including tumor resection.
- Postoperative imatinib treatment and follow-up.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with abdominal pain and hemoperitoneum during imatinib therapy.
- Urgent laparotomy revealed approximately 500 ml of blood and led to tumor resection.
- The patient tolerated subsequent imatinib treatment and showed no recurrence during 9-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain in GIST patients on imatinib therapy warrants consideration of GIST bleeding as a potential adverse effect.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for life-threatening GIST hemorrhage.
- Continued imatinib therapy post-operatively can be safely administered.
