Imatinib Mesylate in Patients With Adenoid Cystic Cancers of the Salivary Glands Expressing c-kit: A Princess Margaret Hospital Phase II Consortium Study

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the antitumor activity of imatinib in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the salivary gland expressing c-kit. A high level of c-kit expression has been identified in more than 90% of ACCs. Imatinib specifically inhibits autophosphorylation of the bcr-abl, platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta, and c-kit tyrosine kinases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a single-arm, two-stage, phase II clinical trial, adult …