PTK787/ZK222584 in the Treatment of Metastatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Resistant to Imatinib

Inclusion Criteria: Patients with histologically confirmed GIST Imatinib resistance (primary resistance with progression, or progression after initial response). Resistance is defined as objective evidence of progression after at least 4 weeks of treatment with imatinib. Imatinib therapy has been interrupted >7 days before study entry Metastatic disease confirmed histologically, cytologically or radiologically Presence of measurable tumor lesions as determined by RECIST criteria Age 18 years or older WHO performance status of 2 or less Blood neutrophil count (ANC) 1.5 x 10^9/L or higher Platelet count 100 x 10^9/L or higher Serum bilirubin 1.5 x ULN (upper limit of normal) or less Serum creatinine 2.0 x ULN or less Written informed consent obtained according to local guidelines Exclusion Criteria: Patients who have received chemotherapy less than 4 weeks prior to entry into this study or who have not recovered from side effects of such therapy Patients who have received a cumulative dose of doxorubicin >450 mg/m2 or epirubicin 800 mg/m2 Patients who have received immunotherapy within 2 weeks or who have not recovered from side effects of such therapy Patients who have received radiotherapy within 2 weeks or who have not recovered from side effects of such therapy Major surgery within 2 weeks prior to entry into this study or patients who have not recovered from side effects of such therapy Patients who have received investigational drugs within 4 weeks prior to entry into this study or who have not recovered from side effects of such therapy Patients who are pregnant or breast feeding, or adults of reproductive potential not employing an effective method of birth control Concurrent severe and/or uncontrolled medical disease (i.e., uncontrolled diabetes, congestive cardiac failure, myocardial infarction within 6 months, poorly controlled hypertension, history of labile hypertension, history of poor compliance with antihypertensive regimen, chronic renal disease, or active uncontrolled infection) which could compromise participation in the study Acute or chronic liver disease (e.g., hepatitis, cirrhosis) Confirmed diagnosis of HIV infection Impairment of gastrointestinal (GI) function or GI disease that may significantly alter the absorption of PTK787/ZK222584 (e.g., ulcerative disease, uncontrolled nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome, bowel obstruction, or inability to swallow the capsules/tablets) Patients who are taking Coumadin (warfarin sodium); heparin is acceptable. Patients unwilling to, or unable to, comply with the protocol