Molecular biomarkers for prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor

AbstractGastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the development of molecular markers, especially circulating biomarkers, remains largely undone for the prognosis of GIST. We discussed the clinical-pathological characteristics of GIST and identified potential biomarkers for guidance of therapy and prognosis of GIST. Around 90% of GISTs contain mutations inKIT orPDGFRA and the remaining 10% of GISTs are wild-type. Recent studies have indicated that various DNAs and miRNAs could serve as potential biomarkers for prognosis of GIST, includingKIT,PDGFRA, other DNAs (such asBRAF,SDH, SETD2 and ROR2), and microRNAs (miRNAs). The pressing need and challenges in the development of circulating prognostic biomarkers for GIST are also discussed. Although challenges remain, DNAs and miRNAs are promising circulating biomarkers for surveillance and prognosis of GIST. Advances in clarification of aberrant molecular alterations may open new avenues for exploration of reliable and robust biomarkers to improve the management of GIST.
Source: Clinical and Translational Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research