Clinical Overview of GIST and Its Latest Management by Endoscopic Resection in Upper GI: A Literature Review

Jejunal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Presenting as Hemorrhagic Shock

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Intermittent GI bleeding is the most common manifestation. Massive GI bleeding leading to syncopal episodes and hemorrhagic shock is a rare presentation of these tumors. Herein, we describe a case of a jejunal GIST presenting as massive bleeding.

Hybrid surgical approach excision of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): A case report of GIST at an unusual location and review of the literature

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are the most common malignant subepithelial lesions involving the gastrointestinal tract. Surgical techniques have been the mainstay of treatment, however, in recent times hybrid surgeries are being introduced yielding better clinical outcomes.

Development of a simultaneous quantification method of imatinib and sunitinib and their main metabolites and its application in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Correlations between plasma concentrations of imatinib and sunitinib with efficacy and toxicity have been established. It is crucial to develop a sensitive and precise method for determining the plasma concentrations of imatinib and sunitinib, along with their active metabolites, to facilitate therapeutic drug monitoring and individualized therapy. Plasma samples were separated on an Agilent ZORBAX SB-C18 chromatographic column using gradient elution. Quantification was performed using a mass spectrometer equipped with electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring. The analysis time was 18 min per run, with all analytes and internal standards eluting within 8 min. The calibration range was 25-4000 ng/mL for imatinib, 5-800 ng/mL for N-desmethyl imatinib (CGP74588), and 2.5-400 ng/mL for sunitinib and N-desethyl sunitinib (SU12662). Intra- and inter-assay precision were both below 15%, and accuracy ranged between 90.0% and 101.9%. The method was successfully applied to determine blood samples from 120 patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors who received imatinib (n = 115) and sunitinib (n = 5). It has been validated as linear, accurate, precise, and robust, making it suitable for therapeutic drug monitoring of imatinib and sunitinib in routine clinical practice.

Rare rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor case: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare tumors of the gastrointestinal tract accounting for less than 1% of all gut tumors. GISTs occurring in the rectum are extremely rare, and these usually present at an advanced stage compared with other sites.

CASE SUMMARY

A 60-year-old male who presented with features of sensations of rectal tenesmus was referred to our department with a mass in the lower rectum that was detected during a routine checkup. Colonoscopy, transrectal ultrasound, perianal magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonic contrast were used to diagnose the rectum GIST, and then the patient underwent complete transanal resection using the ultrasonic scalpel. The patient was discharged ten days after the operation and was defined as low risk. Therefore, he had no need to receive subsequent adjuvant therapies, and he had not suffered any anal dysfunction or had any evidence of recurrence at follow up.

CONCLUSION

Surgical resection with histologically negative margins is the standard curative treatment for rectal GISTs. Appropriate surgical techniques based on the location, size, and resectability of the tumor should attract great attention from clinicians.

Lap-Endo cooperative surgery (LECS) in gastric GIST: updates and future advances

BACKGROUND

With advancements in the field of laparoscopic and endoscopic techniques leading to improved patient outcomes, open resection has become increasingly outdated for the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST). This is further superseded with the advent of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS), an amalgamation of the two techniques to further improve results garnered while overcoming prior limitations each had individually.

METHODS

The electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase and PubMed were reviewed up to August 2021, using terms relating to LECS and gastric GIST. Relevant in-article references not returned in the searches were also considered.

RESULTS

Advancements in the field of laparoscopic and endoscopic techniques has led to improved patient outcomes, making open resection a thing of the past for gastric GIST. This has become even more apparent with the advent of LECS, coupling two cutting edge techniques to further improve results garnered while overcoming prior limitations each had individually. LECS has gained much favour by reducing surgical margins due to endoscopic visualisation without being limited to smaller tumours, allowing for better anatomical and functional preservation of prior anatomy. Furthermore, hybrid approaches have improved perioperative outcomes, with reduction in procedure time, post-procedure hospital stay and lesser complications. Additionally, subtypes of LECS such as inverted LECS, closed LECS, non-exposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery (NEWS) and laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic full-thickness resection (LAEFR) have been developed that allows the abdominal cavity to not be exposed to tumour cells and gastric contents by extracting the lesion transorally.

CONCLUSIONS

LECS and its subtypes being a combination of two advanced techniques shows a synergistic effect that is promising. However, despite all these advantages of enhanced safety and certainty, there remains areas that require further improvement.

Three cases of jejunal tumors detected by standard upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: A case series

BACKGROUND

In patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, re-examination with standard upper endoscopes by experienced physicians will identify culprit lesions in a substantial proportion of patients. A common practice is to insert an adult-sized forward-viewing endoscope into the second part of the duodenum. When the endoscope tip enters after the papilla, which is a marker for the descending part of the duodenum, it is difficult to endoscopically judge how far the duodenum has been traversed beyond the second part.

CASE SUMMARY

We experienced three cases of proximal jejunal masses that were diagnosed by standard upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and confirmed with surgery. The patients visited the hospital with a history of melena; during the initial upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy, the bleeding site was not confirmed. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding was suspected; thus, according to guidelines, upper endoscopy was performed again. A hemorrhagic mass was discovered in the small intestine. The lesion of the first patient was thought to be located in the duodenum when considering the general insertion depth of a typical upper gastrointestinal endoscope; however, during surgery, it was confirmed that it was in the jejunum. After the first case, lesions in the second and third patients were detected at the jejunum by inserting the standard upper endoscope as deep as possible.

CONCLUSION

The deep insertion of standard endoscopes is useful for the diagnosis of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

Robotic gastrointestinal stromal tumors surgery - initial results

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) usually present as an exophytic mass localized in stomach. Years ago, conventional surgery was the only option. Laparoscopic and robotic procedures have risen to prominence in recent decades as technology and surgical techniques have advanced.

A case report of gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the duodenum

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) rarely occur in the duodenum, and only a few cases have been reported. Its clinical manifestations are not specific, and the imaging examination results are not typical, so a preoperative diagnosis is difficult. Pathologic examinations and genetic testing after surgical resection are the main diagnostic methods. Here, a case of duodenal stromal tumor complicated by gastrointestinal perforation is reported. A 57-year-old man presented with paroxysmal abdominal pain and bloating for 7 days. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a large mass (10 cm in diameter) in the right upper abdomen, which was considered neoplastic. The mass was anterior and inferior to the head of the pancreas, and medial to the mesenteric vessels. The tumor surrounded the descending and horizontal parts of the duodenum, and it ruptured into the lumen of the descending duodenum. After the patient underwent tumor resection, we found a rupture of the descending duodenal opening. After that, duodenal fistula drainage, gastrostomy, jejunostomy, small intestinal adhesion release and abdominal irrigation drainage were performed. Immunohistochemical staining results were as follows: CD34 (-), desmin (-), S-100 (-), CD117 (9.7) (+), DoG-1 (+), SDHB (+), Ki-67 (+5%). Based on these results, the lesion was finally diagnosed as duodenal GIST. The patient underwent surgical resection without targeted therapy and recovered well.

DISCUSSION

Duodenal stromal tumors often present with gastrointestinal bleeding and other clinical symptoms, requiring urgent surgery. Complete resection of the tumor is an effective surgical method. Extended resection does not prolong survival. However, surgical treatment should be determined according to the size and location of the tumor and its relationship to the pancreas. This highly malignant duodenal stromal tumor was >10 cm, accompanied by gastrointestinal perforation and necrosis. Surgical resection was required while protecting the organ function.

Endoscopic Resection of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: Is It Safe?

Recently, results from clinical studies of endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in the stomach are being reported. This procedure has several advantages, such as the provision of a definite diagnosis and therapeutic plan, avoidance of frequent follow-up examination, and reduction of patients’ anxiety. However, several concerns also exist such as a limited number of studies, low R0 resection rate, and relatively shorter follow-up period compared with surgical resection. Nevertheless, it is encouraging that most of the post-procedural complications have been treated with conservative management and that some of the patients did not show recurrence of the tumor during long-term follow-up. The selection of suitable cases and the experience of the endoscopists are the most important factors for successful endoscopic resection of gastric GIST. Development of novel procedures as well as collaboration with laparoscopic surgeons are currently in progress.

Gastrointestinal cancer characteristics in Lebanon

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is one of the top five common cancers in Lebanon. To implement a strategy for screening and early diagnosis through the initiation of prevention programs, a detailed study of GI cancers in Lebanon was conducted by focusing on the frequency and characteristics of each type.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted in Lebanon between 2001 and 2015 and included patients diagnosed with different GI cancer types. Data were collected from the registry of the National Institute of Pathology (NIP). The frequency of each type was calculated according to sex, age at diagnosis, anatomic location, histological type, and stage.

RESULTS

The total number of patients diagnosed with GI cancers who had their histology done at the NIP between 2001 and 2015 was 5239. The sex (male/female) ratio was 1.016, with a mean age of 62.2 years. Colorectal cancer ranked first among GI cancers, with more than half of the cases (53.4%). More than 70% of the cases were located on the left side, followed by gastric (15.5%) and pancreatic (12.7%) cancers. Regarding gastric cancer, cardia became the dominant location. A shift from squamous cell carcinoma to adenocarcinoma in esophageal cancer was found during this period. Also, most GI cancers in Lebanon were diagnosed in the late stages.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to evaluate GI cancers in Lebanon, which will help in screening strategies and burden studies.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: An Uncommon but Serious Cause of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare tumors of the GI tract that can sometimes present as a gastrointestinal bleeding source. This report describes a patient presented with upper GI bleeding secondary to a gastric GIST, which was initially detected on endoscopy. The patient underwent surgical resection of the tumor and was started on adjuvant chemotherapy with imatinib. The patient’s postoperative course was complicated by an esophageal leak requiring re-exploratory laparotomy and esophageal stent placement. The stent was removed 5 weeks later and the patient remained stable for discharge after 60 days of inpatient care.

On the Track of New Endoscopic Alternatives for the Treatment of Selected Gastric GISTs-A Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: GISTs (Gastrointestinal stromal tumors) are the most common mesenchymal gastrointestinal tract tumours and are mainly located in the stomach. Their malignant potential depends on size, location, and type. Endoscopic techniques are a less invasive modality for patients not eligible for surgery. ESD (endoscopic submucosal dissection) is mainly used for the removal of smaller GISTs, with intraluminal growth and a more superficial location. Thus, R0 resection capability in some cases may be not sufficient, limited by tumour size, location in the gastric wall, and its connection level with the muscularis propria. In such cases, an endoscopic full-thickness resection can become a new alternative. In this retrospective pilot study, we evaluated ESD and hybrid resection techniques in terms of safety, efficacy, and disease recurrence for selected types of gastric GISTs. Materials and Methods: A retrospective comparison was conducted in a group of patients who underwent ESD or a hybrid technique combining endoscopic resection with endoscopic suturing using the OverStitch system (HT) for type II or III gastric GISTs. A total of 21 patients aged 70 ± 8 years underwent endoscopic resection. Seventeen lesions were treated with ESD and four with the HT. Results: R0 resection was achieved in all patients treated using HT (type III lesions) and in 53% of those treated with ESD (p = 0.08). None of the type III lesions treated with ESD were excised with R0. Lesions treated with R0 ESD resections were significantly smaller (1.76 ± 0.35 cm) than those with R1 ESD resections (2.39 ± 0.40 cm) (p < 0.01). The mean lesion size treated with the HT was 2.88 ± 0.85 cm. Conclusions: HT may be a new resection modality for large gastric GISTs with high muscularis propria connection grades. Further studies are required to evaluate its safety and efficacy and to form precise inclusion criteria for endoscopic resection techniques.

Jejunal GIST masquerading as an ovarian mass: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare mesenchymal tumors originating in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. Jejunal GIST is the rarest subtype. Large GIST can present with an abdominopelvic mass which can be preoperatively misdiagnosed as a gynecological tumor.

CASE HISTORY

A 44-year regularly menstruating woman presented with lower abdominal pain which was diagnosed as a malignant ovarian tumor preoperatively with an MRI. However, intraoperatively, a lobulated mass was present in the abdominal cavity arising from a jejunal portion of the small intestine. With an intraoperative diagnosis of jejunal GIST, the mass was excised and jejunum anastomosed. Histopathology examination report showed GIST which was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry.

DISCUSSION

GIST presenting as a large abdominopelvic mass can mimic a gynecological tumor. Contrast-enhanced CT scan is the preferred imaging modality for the evaluation of patients with suspected GIST to determine the extent of the tumor, the presence or absence of metastatic disease alongside evaluation of the possibility of complete resection. Adjuvant imatinib therapy following complete excision can decrease the disease recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Gynecologists should keep in mind that primary gastrointestinal tumors can present as a pelvic mass. A proper histopathological examination helps to confirm the diagnosis. Complete surgical removal of the tumor should be obtained as it determines the prognosis of the disease.

Robot-assisted resection of GIST in the proximal jejunum

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare. Although most commonly found in the stomach, GISTs in the jejunum are among the rarest subtypes. A 46-year-old woman presented to the surgical department with proximal jejunal mass found in the examinations after abdominal pain and melena. Computed tomography imaging showed a 2.3 cm sized well-defined heterogenous enhancing mass in the proximal jejunum, and GIST was strongly suspected. The jejunal mass was identified 5 cm below the ligament of Treitz intraoperatively. She underwent robotic-assisted jejunal resection with intracorporeal robot-sewn anastomosis. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged on the seventh postoperative day. A robotic approach for GIST in the proximal jejunum is a safe and feasible procedure with good surgical outcomes.

Endoscopic or Surgical Resection for Patients with 2-5cm Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: A Single-Center 12-Year Experience from China

Purpose

The surgical or endoscopic resection is the current treatment modality for 2–5 cm gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). However, evidence is lacking as to which treatment modality is better. Our objective is to provide a new reference for the standardization of the treatment of 2–5 cm gastric GISTs.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 177 patients who underwent resection for 2–5cm gastric GISTs between January 2007 and July 2019 at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. The cases were divided into surgical group (n=118) and endoscopic group (n=59). The clinical data, pathological and genetic characteristics, short- and long-term outcomes were compared.

Results

Symptoms showed more obvious in the surgical group including abdominal pain and bleeding. In the endoscopic group, tumor size was smaller (p<0.001), and risk classification was lower (p<0.001). Patients in the endoscopic group had shorter anal exhaust time (p<0.001) and lesser hospital cost (p<0.001). However, the incidence rate of complications (25.42 vs 4.20%; p<0.001) and reoperation (22.03 vs 0.00%; p<0.001) in the endoscopic group was relatively higher than these in the surgical group. There was no significant difference in recurrence-free survival or overall survival between two groups.

Conclusion

Gastric GISTs of 2–5cm may be suitable to select laparoscopic surgery.

Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Treatment for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors in the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

Background/Aims:

Endoscopic treatment (ET) has been applied for decades to treat subepithelial tumors, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). However, the efficacy of ET remains debatable. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of ET for GISTs in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Methods:

This retrospective single-center study included 97 patients who underwent ET. All patients were enrolled from July 2014 to July 2018. Parameters such as demographics, size, resection margin, complications, pathological features, procedure time, total cost, and follow-up were investigated and analyzed.

Results:

Our study achieved 100% en bloc resection and 77.4% (72/93) R0 resection. The most common location was the fundus with a mean tumor size of 2.1±1.4 cm. The mean age, procedure time, hospital stay, and cost were 59.7±11.3 years, 64.7±35.2 minutes, 6.8 days, and 5,337 dollars, respectively. According to National Institutes of Health classification, 63 (64.9%), 26 (26.8%), 5 (5.2%), and 3 (3.1%) patients belonged to the very low, low, intermediate, and high risk classification, respectively. Immunohistochemistry results showed a 100% positive rate of CD34, DOG-1, CD117, and Ki67. A mean follow-up of 21.3±13.0 months showed no recurrence or metastasis.

Conclusions:

ET is effective and safe for curative removal of GISTs in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and it can be a treatment of choice for patients with no metastasis.

Diagnostic yield of deep biopsy via endoscopic submucosal dissection for the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:

Conventionally, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and biopsy (EUS-FNA)/EUS-FNB) has been used for tissue diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal (GI) subepithelial tumors (SETs). However, deep biopsy (DB) via endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is emerging as an alternative technique, given the inadequate tissue sampling with EUS-FNA/EUS-FNB. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to report the overall diagnostic yield of DB via ESD for upper GI SETs.

Methods:

PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched to identify studies (from commencement to Oct 2017) that reported the DB via ESD technique for diagnosis of upper GI SETs. The primary outcome of interest was the method’s overall diagnostic yield and the secondary outcome was to the occurrence of complications. The meta-analysis was performed using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model.

Results:

A total of 7 studies, comprising 209 patients with a mean age of 57.3 years, were included in the final meta-analysis. The overall pooled diagnostic yield of DB via ESD for upper GI SETs was 95% (95% confidence interval [CI] 84.91-99.98, I²=78.2%). Overall, pooled outcomes of major bleeding and perforation in our meta-analysis was noted in 0.07% (95%CI 0.00-2.32, I²=0%) and 0% (95%CI 0.00-1.70, I²=0%) respectively. Data regarding major bleeding and perforation rates were not reported in 2 studies. Substantial heterogeneity was observed in our meta-analysis.

Conclusion:

DB via ESD is an effective and safe procedure for diagnosing upper GI SETs. Further multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection using an endoluminal-suturing device: a proof-of-concept study

Background and study aims  Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is used to achieve R0 resection in difficult situations and as a way to overcome the limitations of endoscopic submucosal dissection. Multiple techniques have been described but adequate tools are still under evaluation. In this study, we evaluated the safety and feasibility of non-exposed endoscopic full-thickness resection using a novel endoscopic suturing device. Materials and methods  Full-thickness resections of gastric predetermined lesions were performed on five pigs using the Endomina platform. After creating virtual lesion > 20 mm, sutures were placed around it using this triangulation platform. After tightening the knots, the bulging lesion, internalized into the gastric lumen, was cut with a needle knife. Results  R0 resections of large lesions (42 to 60 mm) were achieved in all cases. One perforation occurred and prompted us to improve the procedure by shortening the sutures for more maneuverability and reinforcing the suture line before section. Procedure duration dropped by 50 % between the first case and the fourth case. Histological analysis confirmed successful full-thickness resection of all resected specimens. Conclusion  EFTR using this triangulation platform seems feasible for lesions > 20 mm. Additional possible improvements were identified to simplify the procedure before moving to human trials.

Transvaginal excision of rectal stromal tumors: case reports and a literature review

Background

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Rectal locations are very rare, and minimally invasive surgery is a good choice for the treatment of rectal GISTs.

Case presentation

Two women each had a mass located on the lower vaginal-rectal space as determined by transvaginal ultrasound (TV-US), pelvis MR imaging, and colonoscopy. The patients successfully underwent transvaginal excision. The spindle-shaped cells were found in pathological test. The immunohistochemical analysis showed that CD117 and Dog-1 were stained positively. These results confirmed the masses as GISTs. The postoperative period was uneventful without anal dysfunction. Two patients were received adjuvant treatment with imatinib after surgery.

Conclusion

Transvaginal excision could be a minimally invasive and safe alternative treatment in the management of rectal GISTs in lower locations.

Asymptomatic esophageal glomus tumor: case report

Glomus tumor (GT) is one of the rarest gastrointestinal soft tissue neoplasms. GT in the esophagus has been scarcely reported, and only less than ten cases have been reported. Herein, we report another case of asymptomatic esophageal GT. A 30-year-old male patient was admitted due to incidental finding of esophageal mass on gastroscopy examination. Gastroscopy examination revealed an esophageal mass of 2.0 cm × 1.8 cm. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) showed a heterogeneous, hypoechoic mass originated from the submucosal layer and was adjacent to the thoracic aorta. The final diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry of smooth muscle actin (SMA), vimentin, caldesmon and focal positive of desmin, synaptophysin. The patient underwent submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) which was effective and the patient was discharged from our hospital 6 days after surgery. Upon 1 year of follow-up, no metastasis was observed. Esophageal GTs lacked specific manifestations and immunohistochemistry was crucial in diagnosis. Endoscopic treatment such as STER is a safe and effective method of treatment.

Jejunal GIST: Hunting down an unusual cause of gastrointestinal bleed using double balloon enteroscopy. A case report

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Bleeding jejunal GIST is very rare with only a handful of published case reports.

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Double-balloon enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy can be used to diagnose bleeding small intestine GIST.

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Occult small bowel bleeding can go undetected for years.

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Age is one of the determining factors for the type of small bowel pathology detected.

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Surgical resection remains the mainstay treatment for GIST.

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Laparoscopic surgery offers similar oncologic outcomes as an open surgery.

Introduction

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the alimentary tract but accounts for only 0.1–3% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. The most common presentation of GISTs is acute or chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, in which the patient presents with symptomatic anaemia.

Presentation of case

With that in mind, we describe a 66-year-old man who presented with recurrent episodes of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding for two years. Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) showed several small telangiectasias in the proximal small bowel. Oral route double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) revealed abnormal mucosa 165 cm from incisor with central ulceration and vascular component. He subsequently underwent surgical excision. The histopathological report confirmed the diagnosis of GIST arising from the jejunum. During his clinic follow up, he remains symptom-free with no evidence of recurrence.

Discussion

The diagnosis of bleeding small intestine GISTs can be challenging as these are inaccessible by conventional endoscopy. Imaging modalities such as double-balloon enteroscopy, capsule endoscopy, CT angiography, intravenous contrast-enhanced multidetector row CT (MDCT) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) have been used to assist in the diagnosis of bleeding small intestine GISTs. The mainstay of management for small intestine GIST is complete surgical excision.

Conclusion

Bleeding jejunal GIST is very rare and only a handful of case reports have been published. The mainstay of management for small intestine GIST is complete surgical excision. It is essential to obtain a complete excision of localised disease and avoiding tumour spillage in order to reduce the risk of local recurrence and metastatic spread of GISTs.