Journal of surgical oncology
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Imatinib mesylate (IM) demonstrates substantial efficacy in most patients with metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). However, progression of GIST eventually develops and emerges as a challenge. To assess the role of surgery in the multidisciplinary management of GISTs, we studied the surgical outcomes in GIST patients receiving IM. ⋯ Surgery may benefit selected GIST patients with PR, SD, and LP, especially for patients with LP because patients with LP had comparable survival to that of patients with responsive lesion. Surgery may prevent potential development of secondary mutations in selected patients with response after IM treatment. Secondary kit mutation was found more frequently in GIST patients with a primary kit exon 11 mutation than those with a primary kit exon 9 mutation.