Drug · TKI
Imatinib
Trade name: Glivec / Gleevec.
Imatinib is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor active against BCR-ABL, KIT and PDGFR. In skin oncology its primary use is for locally advanced or metastatic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) with confirmed COL1A1-PDGFB fusion, where it produces meaningful tumour reduction in the majority of patients. Also used in CML, GIST and rare KIT-mutant melanoma.
CurrentLast reviewed 25 March 2026
Indications (UK skin cancer)
- Locally advanced or metastatic DFSP with confirmed COL1A1-PDGFB fusion.
- Selected KIT-mutant mucosal or acral melanoma (off-label / specialist trial use).
Dosing
- DFSP: 400–800 mg orally daily (total daily dose, may be split).
- Continue until best response, then surgery; or until progression / toxicity.
Adverse events
- Periorbital oedema (very common, often early); fluid retention.
- Nausea, diarrhoea, muscle cramps.
- Hepatotoxicity, neutropenia.
- Skin: rash, hypopigmentation.
References
- Rutkowski P et al. Imatinib mesylate in advanced dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. J Clin Oncol; 2010.
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