GASTRIC STROMAL TUMORS: ABOUT THREE CASES

*M. Moujahid, V. A. Blata, I. Talbi, Y. Mehdahoui, A. Laalou, R. Chouiba, F. Mohafid, M. Laaroussi, M. Friha, N. Njoumi, M. Najih, M. Yaka, H. Laraqui, A. Ehirchiou and A. Zentar

ABSTRACT

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most frequent mesenchymal tumors of the digestive tract. These tumors were the object of numerous controversies in terms of histogenesis and of classification. They become integrated now into a frame (specific) precise nosologic since the discovery of the expression by the tumoral cells of the protein c-kit. Their malignant potential is often difficult to estimate. The diagnosis is confirmed by the anatomopathologic study completed by the immunohistochimic study. The treatment is essentially surgical, radiotherapy and chemotherapy being little effective. These tumors are particularly topical since the discovery of a treatment for the locally advanced, aggressive malignant forms, inoperable and/or metastatic by an inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase (STI571 or Glivec®).

Keywords: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors; C-kit; Cells of Cajal; STI 571; Diagnosis and treatment.