A retrospective cohort study of 304 patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors in mackay memorial hospital

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs often occur in middle-aged and older individuals. The main morphologic type of GISTs is the spindle cell type. Immunohistochemistry and genotyping can help to identify GISTs from other subgroups of sarcoma. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study collected 304 patients over a 10-year period (from January 2009 to June 2019) who were diagnosed with GISTs based on the pathological database of our hospital. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical manifestations and treatment strategies. Results: Anemia or gastrointestinal bleeding was the most common symptom (36.5%), followed by gastrointestinal discomfort (32.6%) and incidental findings (21.4%). Ruptured tumors with hollow organ perforation increased the mortality risk. Liver metastasis and peritoneal seeding were the most two common patterns of recurrence. GISTs arising in adults are characterized by the near-universal expression of CD117/KIT antigen. Early surgery with margin-free resection is the best strategy for GISTs without metastasis. Routine lymph node dissection is not recommended. Laparoscopic surgery is feasible and safe for GISTs in the gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopic submucosal dissection to treat GISTs is suitable for small tumors with very low-to-intermediate risk in the stomach. Postoperative treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors can prolong recurrence-free survival after surgery. Conclusion: Surgical resection is the preferred treatment for patients without metastasis. Administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as imatinib is recommended for unresectable, metastatic, or recurrent GISTs. Postoperative follow-up by computed tomography to detect early recurrence is recommended.