Abstract
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common tumors of mesenchymal origin in the gastrointestinal tract. These tumors are believed to arise from the interstitial cells of Cajal. The oncogenic activation of KIT or platelet-derived growth factor receptor–α is common to these tumors, and GISTS are considered to be a successful model for rational development of personalized treatments against oncogenic driver mutations in cancer. This review covers the epidemiology, etiology and genetics, pathophysiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, complications, and prognosis of GISTs. Figures show KIT primary and secondary mutations, the clinical and molecular progression of GISTs, a contrast-enhanced computed tomographic scan showing a gastric GIST presenting as a huge abdominal mass, a magnetic resonance image showing a rectal GIST at baseline and responding to neoadjuvant imatinib after 8 months of treatment, and hematoxylin-eosin stain of a fusocellular and an epithelioid GIST. Tables list demographics and clinical characteristics, associated genetic syndromes, relevant differential diagnosis, risk stratification systems used in GIST, and the comparative activity of approved regimens for GIST. This review contains 5 highly rendered figures, 5 tables, and 74 references.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
