|
Gastro-intestinal stromal tumours: a review of current
management options
HHF Loong
Department of Clinical Oncology, Prince
of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
Gastro-intestinal stromal tumours are uncommon malignancies of the gastro-intestinal tract,
accounting for only 0.2% of all gastro-intestinal malignancies, but are the most common of
abdominal sarcomas. Classically, they have been considered amenable only to early stage
surgical intervention. Recent advances in targeted cancer therapies have led to the development
of effective non-surgical treatment options. This article discusses the epidemiology and
physiopathology of, as well as treatment options available for, this uncommon disease.
Hong Kong Med J 2007;13:61-5
Key words: Epidemiology; Gastrointestinal
stromal tumors; Gastrointestinal tract;
Physiopathology
|
