Gleevec for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor User Reviews

• mar...
• August 6, 2009

"After having surgery to remove my gastrointestinal stromal tumor one year ago, and having a CT scan every 3 months, I am NED (no evidence of disease), due to taking Gleevec. I only have one noticeable side effect, occasional nausea."

• Gis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 14, 2013

"I am taking Gleevec after surgery to remove a 15 cm tumor. It has been 7 months, and I am tumor-free. The main side effects of taking Gleevec have been abdominal bloating with pain, at times severe. I am able to handle the side effects for the most part, but when it becomes too much, I just reduce my dose for a few days until I feel better, normally for two days a week. I was on Gleevec for 5 months prior to surgery. It didn't reduce the tumor, but it stopped its growth and reduced the density considerably."

• pms...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 30, 2013

"I had a 5 cm gastrointestinal stromal tumor removed from my stomach about a year ago and have been on Gleevec 400 mg since Nov. 2012. Main side effects are occasional muscle cramping that can be intense, mild periorbital edema, and mild to moderate nausea. Most worrisome for me is a very low ANC (absolute neutrophil count) that is being closely monitored."

• Bat...
• June 26, 2016

"In April of 2012, I was diagnosed to have GIST high grade by my doctors. The tumor was resectable, and it was removed immediately. My surgeon removed 80% of my stomach, and I find it a successful operation. My oncologist prescribed Glivec (Imatinib) 100 mg x 4 tabs a day for two (2) years from August 24, 2012, to August 24, 2014. I had my PET scan every six (6) months for the surveillance of possible tumor recurrence, the PET scan was stopped in 2015 since the tumor did not recur until now. It was hard in the first 2 months since my skin had discoloration and allergies, but I beat them all. I live a happy life with my family with prayers with the Lord above. Glivec is a wonderful cancer drug, but it was so expensive. God speed."

• Twi...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 13, 2020

"I had a large gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) removed from the stomach in 9/2015. I was put on 400 mg Gleevec but had to stop early on due to a low white count; was tested weekly and restarted with no issues in the white count. A CT scan in 2019 was clean. Side effects are diarrhea, runny nose, vomiting (early on but no longer), weight gain, and now vision changes. I'm currently seeking an oncology doctor as my neurologist is setting up an MRI to rule out optic nerve issues. He believes Gleevec may be the cause. I've been on it for 5 years now at 400 mg per day. Happy to be alive!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 17, 2020

"Diagnosed with large Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (Gist) (27/30 cm) which was completely removed in 2019. I have been on Imatinib 400mg on and off since February 2020. Due to the side effects I am now on 300mg. I'm able to tolerate it better although side effects are beginning to show. May have to take a break from the imatinib. Scans have been clear so far."

• Aus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 7, 2021

"In 2016 I had a GIST removed that was attached to my bowel.I was on Imitanib 400g until 2019.In April 2021 my GIST returned in several locations(ct scan) around my abdomen. I went straight back on Imitanib 400g & after approximately 1 month I had a PET scan (whole body) & to my relief all previous tumors were gone. I am still taking Imitanib 400g & my Oncologist says we will monitor for next 5 years. So far so good. I have relatively no side effects except I have developed a slight tremor which I am looking into. Does anyone have a similar tremor experience? Other wise life is good."

• rpa...
• November 11, 2014

"Mom has been on this since 2003 and is stable. I am very happy."

• Ste...
• March 5, 2015

"Apart from sluggishness and diarrhea, this has kept me alive for 10 years."