SU11248 is the first in a new class of oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which target both tumour replication and angiogensis. It is currently in a phase III, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in patients who have failed or are intolerant of imatinib mesylate (Glivec, Gleevec), for whom there is currently no alternative treatment. One phase II trial in 92 patients demonstrated a partial response in 7 patients (8%), and stable disease was achieved in 53 patients (58%). Median time to progression was 34 weeks (range 3 to 94 weeks). Median survival in the overall cohort had not been reached when the data was presented.