Surgical outcomes of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors in the era of targeted drug therapy

Abstract

Background: The discovery of the c-KIT mutation and the advent of targeted drug therapy with imatinib mesylate have revolutionized the management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). The outcome of patients with surgically treated GISTs treated in the era of targeted drug therapy was assessed and factors associated with adverse outcomes determined. Materials and Methods: Patients with GISTs requiring surgery at a tertiary care center from 2002 to 2007 were reviewed and prognostic factors determined. Results: Forty patients were surgically treated for GISTs. The median age at presentation was 59 years. The stomach (55%) was the main site of primary disease. The median tumor size was 7 ..