NCIt definition : A stromal tumor most commonly seen in the gastrointestinal tract. Rare cases of solitary
masses in the omentum or the mesentery have also been reported (extragastrointestinal
gastrointestinal stromal tumor). It is a tumor that differentiates along the lines
of interstitial cells of Cajal. Most cases contain KIT- or PDGFRA-activating mutations.
Until recently, surgery has been the only effective therapy for this tumor. However,
many patients still experience recurrence. Conventional chemotherapy and radiation
therapy have been of limited value. A KIT tyrosine kinase inhibitor, imatinib mesylate
(also known as STI-571 or Gleevec), is now effective in the treatment of relapsed
and unresectable cases.;
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: A type of tumor that usually begins in cells in the wall of the gastrointestinal
tract. It can be benign or malignant.;
Neoplastic status : Undetermined;
ICD-O code : 8936/1;
Codes from synonyms : 10051066; CDR0000044406; CDR0000044998; C49.A0;