Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare cancers that develop in the digestive tract, most commonly in the stomach or small intestine. Treatment depends on the tumor size, location, and whether it has spread.

Primary Treatment Approaches

1. Targeted Therapy

• Imatinib (Gleevec): A first-line treatment that blocks the KIT and PDGFRA mutations driving GIST growth.
• Sunitinib (Sutent): Used if imatinib becomes ineffective or for advanced cases.
• Ripretinib (Qinlock): A newer option for patients resistant to earlier treatments.

2. Surgery

• Effective for localized tumors that have not spread.
• Minimally invasive techniques may be used for smaller tumors.
• If complete removal isn't possible, targeted therapy may be used before or after surgery.
  

3. Emerging Treatments

• Avapritinib (Ayvakit): Approved for specific mutations in GIST.
• Clinical Trials: Ongoing research explores new drugs and combination therapies.

Managing Advanced or Metastatic GIST

For cases where the tumor has spread, long-term targeted therapy can control growth. Regular monitoring with imaging and genetic testing helps guide treatment adjustments.

Early detection and personalized treatment plans significantly improve outcomes for GIST patients.