Postoperative Cure for Metastatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

ABSTRACT

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a mesenchymal tumor derived from Cajal cells originating from the myotonic plexus. The expression of tyrosine kinase (KIT) membrane receptors that are active on KIT is inhibited by the KIT inhibitor imatinib mesylate. GISTs are resistant to conventional chemotherapy, and radiation therapy is not significantly beneficial for GISTs. With the development of imatinib mesylate, approximately 81.6% of patients with advanced and metastatic GIST exhibit an effect above the stabilization response, thereby increasing the survival time. However, imatinib mesylate alone is unlikely to cure metastatic GISTs. Even with a partial or stable response, imatinib mesylate may be used for a longer time period. However, resection of grossly visible lesions should be considered for patients with a stable response during surgical treatment. In this study, we present a case of GIST with liver metastasis after imatinib mesylate treatment, which was followed up without recurrence after partial resection.