Treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)--review of the literature and a case report

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare mesenchimal tumors that are characterized by constitutive overexpression of the tyrosin-kinase receptor KIT (CD117). The authors analyse the basis of the treatment of gastric GIS, starting form the study of a recent observed case. Report of one case treated with endoscopic resection. Evaluation of treatment and 2-years follow-up. The treatment of gastric GIST must be modulated on prognostic, genetic and molecular factors. These factors are the basis of the formation and growth of GIST. Complete surgical extirpation without rupture remains the only curative treatment of localized favourable prognosis. Endoscopic treatment, as in our case, reflect the modulation of therapy on prognostic factors. Selective targeted therapy of metastatic disease yields encouraging clinical responses.