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FABIO FULFARO

Clinical presentation and treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

  • Authors: CIPOLLA C; FULFARO F; SANDONATO L; FRICANO S; PANTUSO G; GRASSI N; VIENI, S; VALERIO MR; LO DICO R; GEBBIA N; LATTERI M
  • Publication year: 2006
  • Type: Articolo in rivista (Articolo in rivista)
  • OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/14194

Abstract

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), although rare, are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms affecting the gastrointestinal tract. We present our experience in the treatment of localized and metastatic disease and a review of literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nine patients were observed from April 2002 to July 2004. Eight tumors were in the gastric area and 1 was in the small bowel. In 5 cases, complete surgical removal was performed, and none of these patients underwent adjuvant therapy. The remaining 4 cases, with locally advanced or recurrent disease, were treated with imatinib. RESULTS: The patients with localized disease treated only by surgery did not relapse. In the patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease treated by imatinib, we observed 3 partial responses, and one case was not assessable because he had no measurable disease. In 2 of 3 responders, it was possible to perform a new radical surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our series is too small to draw any conclusion. According to our review of the literature, surgery remains the standard treatment for non-metastatic GISTs. Imatinib mesylate represents a major breakthrough in the treatment of advanced GISTs and is the first effective systemic therapy for the disease.