Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Alexandria University Experience

Abstract Introduction Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) that can arise in any parts of the GIT. The clinical behavior and prognosis of GISTs remain unpredictable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of GISTs. Methods The medical files of 93 patients with nonmetastatic GIST presented to our hospital were reviewed. The clinical and pathological parameters, treatment, and follow-up data were collected and correlated to survival outcome using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results The median age of patients was 48.9 years with a slight male predominance. Abdominal pain (39.8%) was the commonly presenting symptom. About 60% of GISTs originated from the stomach and 22% from the small intestine. Tumors stained positive for CD117 in 95.7%. The median diameter of the tumors was 7 cm. Mitotic counts were < 5/50 high power field in 55.9% of tumors. About 44% of patients had high risk tumors. All patients underwent surgery and about 60.2% of patients received adjuvant imatinib mesylate. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 74.5 and 80%, respectively. Margin status, tumor site, tumor size, mitotic counts, and risk score were significantly associated with DFS and OS in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Conclusion Surgery is the mainstay treatment for nonmetastatic GISTs. Tumor size, tumor location, margin status, mitotic count, and risk score were predictive factors for DFS and OS of GISTs.