Gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Introduction The gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal tumor of the intestinal tract, known to be refractory to conventional chemotherapy or radiation. Its pathogenesis is defined by mutations within the KIT and PDGFRA gene, which constitutively activate KIT and PDGFRA...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of colorectal disease 2012-06, Vol.27 (6), p.689-700
Main Authors: Beham, Alexander W., Schaefer, Inga-Marie, Schüler, Philipp, Cameron, Silke, Michael Ghadimi, B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adjuvant treatment
Base Sequence
Cancer
Care and treatment
Development and progression
DNA Mutational Analysis
Gastroenterology
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors - diagnosis
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors - epidemiology
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors - genetics
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors - pathology
Genetic aspects
Health aspects
Hepatology
Humans
Internal Medicine
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Metastasis
Molecular Sequence Data
Platelet-derived growth factor
Proctology
Prognosis
Review
Stem cells
Surgery
Tyrosine
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Summary:Introduction The gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal tumor of the intestinal tract, known to be refractory to conventional chemotherapy or radiation. Its pathogenesis is defined by mutations within the KIT and PDGFRA gene, which constitutively activate KIT and PDGFRA oncoproteins, and serve as crucial diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Discussion Besides surgery, therapy with imatinib mesylate, which inhibits KIT kinase activity, represents the other cornerstone for the treatment of GIST. Still, the only curative option for GIST is given after complete surgical removal even in a metastatic setting, but recurrence is common, and the risk can be defined by surgical factors like incomplete resection, intraperitoneal rupture, or bleeding and tumor associated factors like tumor size, mitotic index, or localization. Conclusion Consequently, adjuvant therapy with imatinib mesylate or other tyrosine kinase inhibitors is recommended for high-risk patients after complete resection. For unresectable and advanced GIST, a partial response or stable disease can be achieved in about 80% of patients with imatinib mesylate.
ISSN:0179-1958
1432-1262
DOI:10.1007/s00384-011-1353-y