The Z9001 trial of adjuvant Gleevec (imatinib) administered for one year after surgery has been unblinded early after an interim analysis showed a striking difference in recurrence rates for subjects who received Gleevec (97% recurrence-free) versus those who received placebo (83% recurrence-free). Patients currently taking placebo will receive one year of Gleevec.

Novartis, manufacturer of Gleevec, will submit an application to gain FDA approval for Gleevec as an adjuvant teament for GIST.

For full details, please access the following sources:

Announcement by ACOSOG (American College of Surgeons Oncology Group, trial leader)

Patient Letter from ACOSOG to trial participants

National Cancer Institute announcement

Please also see answers to our questions from Dr. Ronald DeMatteo in our Ask the Professional section.