The current state of chemotherapy for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors with different genotypes: a narrative review

Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasm of the digestive system and are not sensitive to traditional chemotherapy. Therefore, historically, surgical resection was the only effective therapy. However, the emergence of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has revolutionized the treatment of GISTs, because they target c-Kit and PDGF receptor-a (PDGFRA), which are important in GIST development and progression. As research into c-Kit and PDGFRA continues, an increasing number of different TKIs are being used in the clinical setting. This review aims to discuss the current state of chemotherapy for the treatment of GISTs with different genotypes.