Imatinib mesylate in the treatment of diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis

Abstract

Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis is a less common but potentially life-threatening variant of childhood mastocytosis. Here we report 2 children with diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis in whom an activating somatic KIT mutation was detected. Treatment with imatinib, a KIT inhibitor, resulted in resolution of the lesions and were well tolerated by the patients.