Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Epidemiology and Treatment Outcomes

Introduction: Numerous studies have investigated the prevalence, incidence and clinical manifestations of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). However, little is known about GISTs in Iran. This pioneer study focuses on description of 36 patients with GISTs in Iran. Methods: A database was created for 36 patients suffering from GIST who were treated in Loghman Medical Center and Tehran Cancer Institute in Tehran, Iran. Information on age, sex, clinical manifestations, treatment and outcomes were recorded and analyzed using SPSS version 13. Results: Patients had an average age of 60 years; and 16 of them were males. The disease was most commonly manifested by abdominal mass, weight loss, and anemia. Twenty one patients had a mass smaller than 10cm; and in 33 patients KIT test was positive. In the follow-up, 5 patients experienced relapse and 3 succumbed due to advanced cancer. Conclusion: Primary results showed that GISTs might have different manifestations and incidence in Iran compared to other parts of the world. We hope that this study could serve as a starting point for the better understanding and classification of this disease in Iran and for development of improved management strategies.