Pilot Study of Gleevec/Imatinib Mesylate (STI-571, NSC 716051) in Neurofibromatosis (NF1) Patient With Plexiform Neurofibromas

Gleevec will be dosed orally with a starting dose of 100 mg twice daily for patients with a BSA \> 1.8 m2 or 55 mg/m2 twice daily for patients with BSA \< 1.8 m2. For patients with a BSA \> 1.8 m2 the dose will increase by increments of 100 mg bid every two weeks as tolerated up to a maximum dose of 400 mg bid. For patients with a BSA \< 1.8 m2 the dose will increase by increments of 55 mg/m2 bid every two weeks as tolerated up to a maximum dose of 220 mg/m2 bid.Treatment will continue for 6 months with an option to continue for 24 months if the patient is deriving a clinical benefit.