OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical signification of c-kit gene mutation in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and examine whether the presence of mutation of c-kit gene is important as a prognostic factor.

METHODSThe c-kit mutation had been detected by PCR-SSCP, DNA sequence, statistical comparison were used for the relationship of c-kit gene mutation and clinical pathology, clinical behavior, recurrence, et al.

RESULTSThe presence of c-kit mutation correlated with tumor size, proliferating cell nuclear antigen index, mitotic cell number, presence of necrosis, microscopic invasion to adjacent tissues, recurrence and distant metastasis. The age, sex, location of tumor, cell type, the presence of hemorrhage, and c-kit expression were independently related to the presence of c-kit mutation.

CONCLUSIONSThe c-kit gene mutation is an important prognostic factor for GIST.