title: Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST): A Prospective Analysis and an Update on Biomarkers and Current Treatment Concepts.
abstract: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common sarcomas of the gastrointestinal tract, with transformation typically driven by activating mutations of cKIT and less commonly platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA). Successful targeting of tyrosine-protein kinase Kit with imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has had a major impact in the survival of patients with GIST in both the adjuvant and metastatic setting. A recent modification of treatment guidelines for patients with localized, high-risk GIST extended the adjuvant treatment duration from 1 year to 3 years. In this paper, we review the clinical data of patients with GIST treated in the Oncology Outpatient Unit of "Attikon" University Hospital and aim to assess which patients are eligible for prolongation of adjuvant imatinib therapy as currently suggested by treatment recommendations.
authors.affiliation: Hematology-Oncology Unit, Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Haidari, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Koumarianou
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Panagiota
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Economopoulou
authors.affiliation: "Iaso" General Hospital, Holargos, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Panagiotis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Katsaounis
authors.affiliation: "Agioi Anargyroi" General and Cancer Hospital, Kifissia, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Konstantinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Laschos
authors.affiliation: Micromedica Pathology Laboratory, Athens Greece.
authors.forename: Petroula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Arapantoni-Dadioti
authors.affiliation: Third Department of Surgery, "Attikon" University Hospital, Haidari, Greece.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Martikos
authors.affiliation: Second Department of Surgery, Pireus General Hospital "Ag. Panteleimon", Nikaia, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Athanasios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rogdakis
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, "Asklhpeion Voulas" General Hospital, Voula, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tzanakis
authors.affiliation: Oncology Unit, Bioclinic, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Boukovinas
keywords: cKIT; gastrointestinal stromal tumors; imatinib