Study of Imatinib (Glivec) in Patients With Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically or cytologically proven adenoid cystic carcinoma overexpressing KIT (by immunohistochemistry) with recurrent disease documented by computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
* Presence of at least one dimensionally measurable target lesion (contrast enhancing lesion with the largest diameter \>= 2 cm, based on CT or MRI scan done within 4 weeks before the start of treatment).
* Patients able to swallow an oral compound.
* World Health Organization (WHO) performance status \< 2.
* Life expectancy of \>= 3 months.
* Aged \>= 18 years.
* Normal hematological (neutrophils \>= 1.5 x 10\^9 cells/l, platelets \>= 100 x 10\^9 cells/l), hepatic (bilirubin \< 1.5 times the upper limit of the normal range; alkaline phosphatase and transaminases \<= 2.5 x the upper limit of the normal range) and renal (serum creatinine \<= 150 mmol/l) functions.
* Written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Abnormal cardiac function with history of ischaemic heart disease in the past 6 months and/or abnormal 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG).
* Previous or current malignancies at other sites with the exception of cone biopsied carcinoma of the cervix and adequately treated basal or squamous cell skin carcinoma.
* Concomitant treatment with warfarin or any other anticoagulants.
* Unstable systemic diseases or active uncontrolled infections.
* Patients (male and female) not using effective contraception if of reproductive potential.
* Females pregnant or lactating or positive beta human chorionic gonadotropin (bHCG) at baseline