<p>The treatment of advanced and metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) has been revolutionised by the development of the drug imatinib mesylate (Glivec), one of the first targeted molecular therapies available for the treatment of cancer. However, little has been previously documented about this rare tumour. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of GIST and its treatment, and discuss the nursing management of GIST patients. This is particularly timely given that the National Institute for Clinical Excellence is expected to publish its guidance for the use of Glivec in the treatment of unresectable and/or metastatic GISTs this September.</p>