Current knowledge of gastrointestinal stromal tumours

Abstract Gastrointestinal stromal tumours, the most common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract, are immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally different from other mesenchymal tumours. They can occur anywhere in the GI tract, the commonest site being the stomach. GIST occurrence is not restricted to the bowel but can also involve unusual sites. The diagnosis and treatment of GIST have been revolutionized over the past decade. The mainstay of treatment remains surgical resection with adequate margins. Though these tumours are refractory to conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy, they show a good response to molecularly targeted therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Hence, in cases where a tumour shows malignant potential, adjuvant treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitor may prevent or delay relapse. This review summarises the current clinical and immunohistochemical knowledge of GISTs and their treatment.
Source: Hellenic Journal of Surgery - Category: Surgery Source Type: research