Doctors are working to learn more about GIST, ways to prevent it, how to best treat it, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with this disease. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials [2]. Always talk with your doctor about the diagnostic and treatment options best for you.

New drugs. Several different drugs that target proteins that help tumor cells survive have recently been or are being researched, including masitinib, dasatinib (Sprycel), and HSP90 inhibitors.

Supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current treatments for GIST in order to improve patients’ comfort and quality of life.

Learn more about common statistical terms used in medical research [3].

Looking for More about Current Research?

If you would like additional information about the latest areas of research regarding GIST, explore these related items:

• To find clinical trials specific to your diagnosis, talk with your doctor or search online clinical trial databases now [4].
• Review research [5] announced at recent scientific meetings or in ASCO’s peer-reviewed journals.

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