Cancer Research and Treatment  2012;44(2):85-96

Clinical Practice Guideline for Accurate Diagnosis and Effective Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor in Korea.

Yoon Koo KANG 1 ; Hye Jin KANG ; Kyoung Mee KIM ; Taesung SOHN ; Dongil CHOI ; Min Hee RYU ; Woo Ho KIM ; Han Kwang YANG

Affiliations

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Keywords

Guideline; Gastrointestinal stromal tumors; Diagnosis; Surgery; Drug therapy; Molecular targeted therapy; Imatinib; Sunitinib

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Despite their rarity in incidence and prevalence, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) have emerged as a distinct and noteworthy pathogenetic entity. The clinical management of GISTs has rapidly evolved due to the recent elucidation of their oncogenic signal transduction pathway and the introduction of molecular-targeted therapies. Successful management of GISTs requires a multidisciplinary approach firmly based on an accurate histopathologic diagnosis. In 2007, the Korean GIST study group published the first guideline for optimal diagnosis and treatment of GISTs in Korea. The second version of the guideline was published in 2010. Herein, we provide the results of relevant clinical studies for the purpose of further revision to the guideline. We expect this new guideline will enhance the accuracy of diagnosis, as performed by members of the Korean associate of physicians involved in GIST patient care, thus improving the efficacy of treatment.