title: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours treated before and after the advent of c-kit immunostaining.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recently developed immunohistochemical markers have revolutionised the classification of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) whilst tyrosine kinase inhibitors (imatinib) have had a significant impact on the treatment of advanced tumours. We review the clinicopathological features of previously resected mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract in our institution to 1) reclassify the histological diagnosis of those stained prior to c-kit availability; 2) perform survival analysis to identify prognostic factors, and 3) to consider the implications for patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinicopathological records of patients with a diagnosis of mesenchymal tumours treated between May 1992 and April 2007 were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  82 patients were reviewed. 26 (32%) were reclassified as GISTs following c-kit immunostaining and a further 14 patients were treated for GIST up to April 2007 (Total: 40 patients; 21 males and 19 females, mean age 67, range 30-92 years). 36 (90%) underwent complete resection. 5-year survival of patients with GIST alone was 80%. Females had a better median survival (M: F 43 months: 73 months).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The availability of c-kit staining allowed 32% of previously diagnosed mesenchymal tumours to be reclassified as GISTs. This may have implications for the follow-up of patients diagnosed prior to the availability of this method.
authors.affiliation: Department of GI Surgery, Imperial College NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W68RF, UK. paolosorelli@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Paolo G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Sorelli
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Bafour
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Amo-Takyi
authors.forename: Nikitas A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Theodorou
authors.forename: Peter M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Dawson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D046152:Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis
chemical_list: D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit