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Molecular and Immunologic Techniques in a Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Published on: May 2, 2022
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Puneet Gupta1, Mallika Tewari, Hari S Shukla
1Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, UP, India.
Abstract:
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. These form a distinct category of tumors characterized by oncogenic mutations of the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase in a majority of patients. KIT is used not only for diagnosis but also for targeted therapy of GISTs. Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is widely used in the treatment of advanced and metastatic GISTs and has been recently employed in the neo adjuvant and adjuvant set-up with encouraging results. Certain specific mutations in an exon (such as in exon 9) of the KIT gene result in GISTs that are relatively unresponsive to the Imatinib treatment. New therapeutic agents like Sunitinib have now been approved for the treatment of Imatinib-resistant GIST. This review summarizes the salient features of GIST along with a detailed review of targeted multi-disciplinary approach to the treatment of these special tumors.
Insights
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are common mesenchymal tumors driven by KIT mutations. This review covers GIST features and targeted therapies, including imatinib and sunitinib for resistant cases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.
- GISTs are characterized by oncogenic mutations in the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase.
- KIT plays a crucial role in GIST diagnosis and targeted therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the key features of GIST.
- To review the targeted, multi-disciplinary approach to GIST treatment.
- To discuss therapeutic agents for GIST, including imatinib and sunitinib.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of GIST features and treatment modalities.
- Analysis of targeted therapies for GIST.
- Summary of current treatment guidelines and emerging agents.
Main Results:
- Imatinib is a widely used tyrosine kinase inhibitor for advanced and metastatic GISTs.
- Specific KIT mutations (e.g., exon 9) can confer resistance to imatinib.
- Sunitinib is approved for imatinib-resistant GIST.
Conclusions:
- GIST treatment requires a targeted, multi-disciplinary approach.
- Understanding KIT mutations is essential for effective GIST therapy.
- New agents like sunitinib offer options for imatinib-resistant GIST.
