Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are relatively common mesenchymal tumors of the digestive tract characterized by c-KIT mutations. This is a comprehensive review of the current data of the literature on the various aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of these tumors.
Methods: The stomach is the most commonly involved site for these tumors in the digestive tract. Computed tomography and endoscopy can usually establish the diagnosis. The study of certain specific immunohistochemical markers may contribute to better characterization of these tumors.
Results: Surgical resection of GISTs has been the most effective therapy. In addition, targeted therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors may reduce the development of recurrence or decrease the disease progression in patients with metastatic disease.
Conclusions: The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors has resulted in significant improvement in the overall prognosis of these patients. Furthermore, preoperative imatinib can decrease tumor volume and is associated with complete surgical resection in locally advanced primary GISTs.