Prognostic factors and outcome of resected patients for gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of 33 patients with primary gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) who were observed and treated in a single teaching hospital and followed up prospectively. Methodology: Thirty-three GISTs patients (21 male; 12 female; mean age: 57±12 years; range: 23-76 years) between June 1994 and October 2004, were reviewed retrospectively. Patient, tumor, and treatment variables were analyzed to identify patterns of tumor relapse and factors affecting survival. Results: Of 33 patients, 30 patients (91%) had primary tumor without metastasis, and all of them underwent complete surgical resection of gross disease. Three patients (9%) had metastasis. Among patients radically resected, the 5-year actuarial survival rate was 85%, and the disease-free survival was 76%. Among patients resected for cure, there were 6 recurrences. The mean time to recurrence was 22±11 months (range: 4-36 months), and liver was the prevalent site for relapsing disease (n=5; 83%). After recurrence, survival at 2 and 3 years was 44% and 0%, respectively. Conclusions: GISTs are uncommon sarcomas. Tumor recurrence tends to be intra-abdominal. Investigational protocols are indicated to reduce the rate of recurrence after resection and to improve the outcome for patients with GIST.