Gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Abstract

Despite its relative rarity as a clinical entity, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) has garnered much interest in the past several years. The recognition of KIT activation as essential in the tumorigenesis of GIST and the subsequent treatment of GISTs with a molecular inhibitor of KIT signaling, imatinib mesylate (STI 571, Gleevec; Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Basel, Switzerland), represent landmark achievements in solid tumor oncology. The use of imatinib in the management of GIST most likely signals the beginning of the application of specific molecular and genetic approaches to cancer therapy. Thus, the integration of surgery and targeted therapy in the treatment of GIST, which is currently the subject of much investigation, may serve as a paradigm for the multimodality management of other solid malignancies. © 2008 Springer New York.