Question:

Which of the following agents is recommended for treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)?

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GIST is a c-KIT driven tumor, and imatinib is the classic c-KIT blocker.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Sorafenib
  • Imatinib
  • Gefitinib
  • Erlotinib
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: GIST arises from the interstitial cells of Cajal and is driven by a gain-of-function mutation in the c-KIT (CD117) receptor tyrosine kinase, and less often in PDGFRA. Targeting these kinases treats the tumor.

Step 2: Imatinib inhibits BCR-ABL, c-KIT and PDGFR. Because GIST depends on c-KIT signalling, imatinib is the standard first-line drug. So option B is correct.

Step 3: Gefitinib (C) and erlotinib (D) inhibit the EGFR (HER1) tyrosine kinase and are used in non-small-cell lung cancer, not GIST. So C and D are wrong.

Step 4: Sorafenib (A) is a multikinase inhibitor used in renal cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is not the recommended first agent for GIST. So A is wrong.

Conclusion: The recommended agent for GIST is imatinib, option B.
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