Prognostic Factors and Management of Colorectal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Abstract

Introduction The gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. Even though it can be found in any location of the digestive tract, the colorectal GIST is rare. With this study, we aim to review the current knowledge regarding the prognosis and management of colorectal GIST. Methods A literature search was conducted in PubMed, and 717 articles were collected. After analyzing these studies, 60 articles were selected to use in this review. Results The mitotic index, as well as tumor size and location were identified as good discriminators of prognosis in various studies. Surgery remains the only curative therapy for potentially resectable tumors. However, even after surgical resection, some patients develop disease recurrence and metastasis, especially those with high-risk tumors. Therefore, surgical resection alone might be inadequate for the management of all colorectal GISTs. The discovery of GIST's molecular pathway led to a shift in its therapy, insofar as tyrosine kinase inhibitors became part of the treatment schemes for this tumor, revolutionizing the treatment's outcome and prognosis. Discussion/Conclusion The controversy concerning colorectal GIST prognosis and treatment can be, in part, attributed to the limited number of studies in the literature. In this review, we gathered the most recent knowledge about the prognosis and management of GIST in this rare location and propose two algorithms for its approach. Lastly, we highlight the importance of an individualized approach in the setting of a multidisciplinary team.

Improving Outcomes in the Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: The Role of the Multidisciplinary Team Discussion Intervention

“…The MDT discussion intervention consists of a group of medical experts and specialists from a range of disciplines, working together to provide comprehensive care to patients, which could provide personalized and targeted treatment tailored to each person’s expectations, condition, and situation [ 11 , 12 ]. MDT discussion intervention is thus increasingly recommended by medical treatment units to improve the prognosis of patients with advanced GISTs [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. However, due to the lack of relevant clinical cohort studies to prove that MDTs can prolong patients’ survival times, demonstrating the value of MDT discussion intervention in patients with advanced GISTs may be important.…”