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Laparoscopy-endoscopy Cooperative Surgery for the Treatment of Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Published on: February 19, 2022
[Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)]
1Service de chirurgie viscérale, Département de chirurgie, HUG, 1211 Genève 14. Pascal.Bucher@hcuge.ch
Revue Medicale Suisse
|August 5, 2008
Summary
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are common digestive tumors often over-expressing KIT. While surgery cures low-malignancy GIST, tyrosine kinase inhibitors like imatinib improve survival for advanced cases.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) represent the most frequent mesenchymal neoplasms of the digestive system.
- GIST are defined by the overexpression of the tyrosine kinase receptor KIT, influencing their clinical behavior.
- These tumors exhibit a broad clinical spectrum, ranging from benign to highly malignant forms.
Purpose:
- To review current literature data on Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST).
- To discuss the clinical spectrum, diagnostic characteristics, and treatment modalities for GIST.
- To highlight the impact of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in managing unresectable GIST.
Summary:
- Surgery remains the sole curative option for GIST, with excellent prognoses for low-malignancy cases (>90% 5-year survival).
- Highly malignant GIST present a poor prognosis (median survival <12 months) even post-resection.
- The advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as imatinib mesylate, has significantly improved survival rates for metastatic GIST.
Impact:
- This review provides a comprehensive overview of GIST, aiding clinicians in diagnosis and treatment selection.
- Understanding GIST biology and treatment advancements is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- The findings underscore the transformative effect of targeted therapies in oncology, particularly for advanced GIST.
