Imatinib in c-KIT-mutated metastatic solid tumors: A multicenter trial of Korean Cancer Study Group (UN18-05 Trial)

Hye Ryeon Kim1,2, Su Jin Lee3, Mi Sun Ahn4

  • 1Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

Insights

Imatinib showed modest effectiveness in treating solid tumors with c-KIT mutations, particularly in melanoma patients. The treatment offered a manageable safety profile for those refractory to chemotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Medical Genetics
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Investigated imatinib efficacy in patients with chemotherapy-refractory solid tumors harboring c-KIT mutations or amplification.
  • Utilized an open-label, single-arm, multi-center Phase II clinical trial design.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of imatinib in a specific patient population.
  • To determine the objective response rate (ORR) as the primary endpoint.

Main Methods:

  • Detected c-KIT mutations and amplification using next-generation sequencing (NGS).
  • Administered imatinib 400 mg daily in 28-day cycles until disease progression, adverse events, or death.
  • Monitored patients for response, survival, and adverse events.

Main Results:

  • 18 patients enrolled; 17 were evaluable. Melanoma was the most common tumor type (83.3%).
  • Achieved an overall response rate (ORR) of 41.2% and a disease control rate of 52.9%.
  • Median progression-free survival was 2.2 months; median overall survival was 9.1 months. Common adverse events included edema and anorexia.

Conclusions:

  • Imatinib demonstrated modest anti-tumor activity in chemotherapy-refractory solid tumors with c-KIT mutations.
  • The safety profile of imatinib was manageable in this patient cohort.
  • Melanoma patients with c-KIT mutations showed particular benefit from imatinib treatment.