Abstract
Controversy persists about the best treatment for giant gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). This retrospective study aimed to investigate the different treatments for giant GISTs and the effect on outcomes. A total of 71 patients with GIST ≥10 cm in diameter were separated into four groups according to treatment received: emergency surgery group (n = 17), preoperative targeted (imatinib) therapy group (n = 12), palliative resection group (n = 17) and R0 resection group (n = 25). Baseline, intraoperative and post-operative findings were compared between the groups. Long-term follow-up was conducted to assess outcomes. Preoperative gastrointestinal bleeding was significantly higher (P = 0.003) and haemoglobin level was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the emergency surgery group than in the other groups. Mean tumour diameter was significantly more in the palliative resection group than in the other groups (P = 0.023). Overall survival was significantly higher in the R0 resection group and the preoperative targeted therapy group than in the other two groups (P < 0.05). In patients with giant GISTs, the best outcomes appear to be achieved with preoperative imatinib therapy plus surgery or R0 resection followed by imatinib therapy.
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