Background
Gastrointestinal tumors (GISTs) belong to a group of rare neo- plasms of the gastrointestinal tract, generally not recognized as dis- tinct pathological entities until recently. The only treatment for lo- cal disease has been radical surgical resection. No adjuvant therapy has proven effective.
Purpose
The purpose of the study was to establish distinct pathological entities among GISTs using new immunohistochemical markers and to determine the feasibility of other therapeutic options as an alternative to surgery.
Methods
In all cases in which a diagnosis of GIST was made, immuno- histochemical examination of the tumor was carried out. In patients undergoing surgery the lesion was localized. Treatment consisted of radical resection.
Results
There was no evidence of recurrence of disease following surgery. Consequently, no pharmacological therapy or adjuvant ra- diotherapy was deemed necessary.
Conclusions
GISTs comprise biologically distinct tumors. Treatment of local lesions consists of radical resection. Nevertheless, good results us- ing specific molecular therapy in advanced forms of disease have been reported in the literature.
