Gastrointestinal stromal tumors and neuroendocrine tumors.
OBJECTIVE
Patients with rare gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies can exhibit unique objective and subjective manifestations. This article is a primer for the fundamental understanding of some of these diseases, namely gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET) and therapeutic strategies.


METHODS
Epidemiologic data, published research reports, national guidelines for oncology practice, and personal experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the rarity of GIST, gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, gastric lymphoma, and adenocarcinoma of the small bowel, oncology nurses must be prepared to effectively assess, plan, and implement care strategies for these patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Caring for patients with uncommon GI malignancies is challenging for oncology nurses whose experience with these tumors is limited. Fundamental knowledge and awareness of resources can help to ensure optimal patient care. Case vignettes illustrate patient presentation and formulation of treatment recommendations.
Grande
Carolyn
C
Abramson Cancer Center, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Division of Medicine, Department of Hematology-Oncology, Philadelphia, PA, USA. carolyngrande@comcast.net
Haller
Daniel G
DG
D046152:Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D018358:Neuroendocrine Tumors / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors