Gastrointestinal Tumors of the Colon and Rectum

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs of the colon and rectum are rare, comprising 5% of all cases. There are few data available for colorectal GISTs to guide management. Although they can be small and found incidentally, the majority appear to be high-risk and carry a worse prognosis than gastric GISTs. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for primary disease. GISTs are targeted effectively with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as imatinib mesylate.

Source: Seminars in Colon and Rectal Surgery - January 28, 2015 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Dimitra G. Theodoropoulos Source Type: research