Gastrointestinal stromal sarcomas

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Abstract
Background: Gastrointestinal stromal sarcomas are a rare group of malignancies originating in the bowel wall. Methods: The treatment of 12 patients with gastrointestinal stromal sarcoma who underwent operation between 1994 and 1998 was reviewed. Results: Eight tumours originated in the stomach; others were in the small bowel or rectum. Five of the tumours were of myogenic origin, two were gastrointestinal autonomic nerve tumours, one was a mixed neural–myoid tumour, and four could not be differentiated. Complete resection was possible in ten patients; in two of the ten en bloc resection of adjacent organs was required to ensure adequate margins. The tumours in the remaining two patients were irresectable because of diffuse intra-abdominal metastatic disease. All patients who underwent complete resection were alive after 4–48 (median 14) months. Two of the ten patients developed recurrence, which was reresected completely. The patients with metastatic disease died less than 1 year after operation. Conclusion: Aggressive surgical resection, achieving complete resection, can lead to prolongation of life and may be a potential cure for patients with gastrointestinal stromal sarcoma.