FDA approves Gleevec for expanded use in patients with rare gastrointestinal cancer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today granted Gleevec (imatinib) regular approval for use in adult patients following surgical removal of CD117-positive gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Today’s action also highlights an increase in overall patient survival when the drug is taken for 36 months rather than the standard 12 months of treatment.

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm289760.htm