Masitinib is a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor with potent activity against wild-type c-Kit, the juxta membrane domain of c-Kit, and PDGFR. In addition to its direct inhibitory action against these kinase targets, masitinib is also thought to promote survival via modulation of immunostimulation-mediated anticancer effects and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. The objective of this prospective, multicenter, randomized, open-label, active-controlled study is to compare the efficacy and safety of masitinib with respect to imatinib in the first line treatment of gastro-intestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Treatment will be given until disease progression, limiting toxicity or patient consent withdrawal.
