Genotyping and immunohistochemistry of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: An update

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) were originally thought to harbor either KIT or platelet-derived growth factor receptor A (PDGFRA) mutations only. However, more recent discoveries have highlighted additional, less common oncogenic driver mutations including NF1, BRAF and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) mutations. Genotyping GISTs has become more important since not all genotypes respond equally to FDA-approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors. GIST is a paradigm for personalized cancer therapy. Recent studies demonstrate how immunohistochemistry can be used both to diagnose GIST and to screen for specific mutations.

Source: Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology - February 4, 2015 Category: Pathology Authors: Brian P. Rubin, Michael C. Heinrich Source Type: research