Duodenal perforation caused by imatinib mesylate during adjuvant treatment of gastric stromal tumor: Case report.

Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is frequently used to treat unresectable or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors. The application of this medication is considered an adjuvant treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors. It can reduce the postoperative recurrence of the tumors. During the treatment with imatinib, there can be various gastrointestinal adverse reactions, which are mild and can be alleviated following a reduction in the dose. It is rare that perforation of the digestive tract happens after the employment of this medication. This study reported that imatinib mesylate caused bowel perforation in one patient with gastric stromal tumors after its use for 3 months.