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Using imatinib as neoadjuvant therapy in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: potential pluses and minuses
Journal article

Using imatinib as neoadjuvant therapy in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: potential pluses and minuses

Hillary Johnson-Jahangir, William Sherman and Désirée Ratner
Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Vol.8(8), pp.881-885
08/2010
DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2010.0065
PMID: 20870634

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Abstract

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon, low grade soft-tissue malignancy associated with a high risk for local recurrence and widespread subclinical extension. Imatinib, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been a beneficial adjuvant therapy in patients with unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic DFSP. Because of its characteristic infiltrative growth, effective surgical excision of DFSP may be limited by the risk for disfigurement or functional impairment. In recent cases, neoadjuvant imatinib mesylate therapy has been shown to reduce preoperative tumor size and lessen surgical morbidity associated with the removal of residual DFSP. Use of neoadjuvant imatinib before surgery, however, requires appropriate patient selection and careful weighing of the potential risks and benefits of this treatment.
Dermatofibrosarcoma - drug therapy Skin Neoplasms - drug therapy Protein Kinase Inhibitors - therapeutic use Pyrimidines - therapeutic use Humans Neoadjuvant Therapy Antineoplastic Agents - therapeutic use Piperazines - therapeutic use Benzamides Imatinib Mesylate

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