A comprehensive analysis of the adverse drug events of metastatic and unresectable gastrointestinal stromal tumor treatment options: avapritinib, imatinib, regorafenib, ripretinib, and sunitinib safety insights and implications

BACKGROUND: Treatments for metastatic, unresectable, or treatment-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) include avapritinib, imatinib, regorafenib, ripretinib, and sunitinib. The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database collects medication-related adverse events (AEs). DESIGN AND METHODS: Reports in the FAERS database from each medication's FDA approval to June 30, 2025 were analyzed. Reports containing other medications or indications outside of GIST treatment were excluded. RESULTS: 149, 2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The FAERS database revealed multiorgan AEs associated with five GIST treatment medications. Novel findings include eye/facial and peripheral edema with avapritinib, palmar-plantar erythrodyesthesia syndrome, headache/migraine, and gait abnormalities across all five medications, pancytopenia with imatinib, and hemorrhage with imatinib and sunitinib.