Current research and treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

ABSTRACT: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and have gained considerable research and treatment interest, especially in the last two decades. GISTs are driven by mutations commonly found in the KIT gene and less commonly in the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha gene, BRAF gene and succinate dehydrogenase gene. GISTs behave in a spectrum of malignant potential, and both the tumor size and mitotic index are the most commonly used prognostic criteria. Whilst surgical resection can offer the best cure, targeted therapy in the form of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has revolutionized the management options. As the first-line TKI, imatinib offers treatment for advanced and metastatic GISTs, adjuvant the

SUBMITTER: Lim KT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5526756 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature