Pediatric/ ′Wildtype′ gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Pediatric/ ′Wildtype′ Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (P/WT-GIST) is a rare, distinct and markedly different cancer than the phenotype found predominantly in older patients (adult, non-wildtype GIST). Having a different molecular signature, it is not responsive to standard adjuvant therapies utilized in adu lt GIST, and surgery remains the only effective cure. However, even with presumed effective, complete resections on patients with localized disease at presentation, recurrence rates are high. Furthermore, it is an indolent cancer that can persist for decades, and treatment strategies must balance th e possible morbid risks of intervention with the reality of preserving quality of life in the interim.
Source: Seminars in Pediatric Surgery - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Source Type: research