Surveillance strategies for gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Abstract

Although only 10-30% of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are clinically malignant, all have some degree of malignant potential. The management of high risk patients should be evidence based. However, prospective data and a consensus for guidelines concerning the screening of asymptomatic high risk patients and surveillance following multidisciplinary treatment do not exist. This review provides an overview of GIST, with an emphasis on the available data regarding screening and surveillance of certain populations with GISTs.

Endoscopic resection for gastric schwannoma with long-term outcomes

“…They can be followed up by periodic endoscopic examinations. However, endoscopic surveillance is not widely adopted, due to the lack of consensus of the surveillance interval time [10,11] as well as the accompanying issues including cost-effectiveness, patients' compliance, and their strong desire for treatment [12,13].…”

Endoscopic approach to subepithelial lesions

“…Location is important as well. GIST lesions in the small bowel have a much higher risk of malignancy than those seen, for example, within the stomach or rectum [Grotz and Donohue, 2011].…”

Endoscopic resection of submucosal tumors in muscularis propria: the choice between direct excavation and tunneling resection

“…In contrast, the ESMO guideline recommends surgical resection of all histological proven GISTs [2]. While follow-up remains as a choice, optimal surveillance policy is lacking [2], and long-term follow-up is warranted since low-risk GISTs can recur as late as 10 years [16]. Endoscopic resection, including ESE and STER, provides histological diagnosis as well as a minimally invasive therapeutic approach for gastrointestinal SMTs.…”