Pharmacologic Application of Sunitinib Malate in the Management of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a soft tissue sarcoma that can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and is the most common noncarcinomatous malignancy of the GI tract. This article will review the pathology of GISTs, the molecular pathology related to c-kit, and disease management and will discuss a new drug approved in the management of GISTs, sunitinib malate. In addition, pharmacologic properties along with nursing considerations related to sunitinib malate will be reviewed.