Imatinib Mesylate Treatment of Patients With Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors

Inclusion criteria: * Patients ≥18 years of age * Histologically documented diagnosis of malignant MPNST * Unresectable local MPNST or metastatic MPNST and therefore incurable with any conventional multimodality approach Life expectancy of at least 6 months. Exclusion criteria: * Patient has received any other investigational agents within 28 days of first day of study drug dosing. * Chemotherapy and or radiotherapy in between the last 6 weeks before study entry, surgery in between the last 14 days before study entry. * Female patients who are pregnant or breast feeding or women of child bearing potential who are not using a highly effective method of birth control. * Known CNS metastases Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply.