Gastrointestinal stromal tumors: current translational research and management modalities

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. In recent years, detection of these subepithelial lesions has improved due to advances in endoscopic imaging techniques. Furthermore, developments in immunohistochemical technologies, allowing for reliable differentiation of GISTs from other subepithelial tumors, have improved the understanding of these lesions significantly. Alongside the emergence of these new technologies, clinical management of GISTs has progressed greatly in the last decade. However, major controversies still exist in various aspects of GIST management, such as diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. This review article provides the current overview of the research status in the management of GISTs.