KIT immunohistochemistry and mutation status in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) evaluated for treatment with imatinib

Abstract

Aims: With the availability of effective but expensive treatment in the form of imatinib, accurate diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) is extremely important. The aims of this study were: to describe the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular features of cases referred to a cancer centre with a possible diagnosis of GIST; to identify pitfalls in the performance and interpretation of KIT immunohistochemistry; to define the role of KIT mutation testing in making a diagnosis of GIST. Methods and results: Morphological review, KIT immunohistochemistry and mutation testing were performed on all cases referred with a diagnosis of GIST or where the diagnosis was unde..