Gastrointestinal stromal tumors. A multicenter experience

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms.
• Accurate classification and understanding of GIST characteristics are crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze a large cohort of 200 gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) in Poland.
• To reclassify GISTs according to current diagnostic criteria and evaluate their clinicopathological features.
• To investigate the immunohistochemical profile of GISTs, particularly small and multiple tumors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 200 GIST cases from six diagnostic centers in Poland.
• Reclassification of lesions based on current diagnostic criteria.
• Detailed examination of tumor location, patient demographics, tumor size, aggressiveness, and presence of synchronous tumors.
• Immunohistochemical analysis using markers such as CD117, CD34, SMA, S-100, and DES.

Main Results:

• GISTs were most commonly found in the stomach (51-63.3%) and small intestine (27.4-33.8%).
• A slight female predominance (53-56%) was observed, with a mean patient age of 62.4 years.
• Moderately and highly aggressive tumors predominated; 12% of GISTs were epithelioid.
• Immunohistochemistry showed comparable reactivity in small and large GISTs, and indicated heterogeneity in multiple GISTs.

Conclusions:

• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors exhibit specific locations and demographic patterns in the Polish population.
• Tumor aggressiveness and immunohistochemical heterogeneity are key features of GISTs, even in small or multiple lesions.
• Further research into the heterogeneity of multiple GISTs is warranted.