Significance of Primary Malignant Tumors on the Outcome of Patients With Resected Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Aim: This study aimed to clarify the significance of primary malignant tumors for the outcome of resected gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

Patients and methods: The medical history, pathological findings and prognosis of 66 patients with GISTs resected at our institute between January 2003 and December 2018 were investigated retrospectively and compared statistically.

Results: Among 66 patients with GISTs, 24 (36%) had concomitant malignant tumors. In an average study period of 57 months, one patient died from GIST, seven from other malignant tumors, and one from another disease. Only coexistence of GIST and other malignant tumors was recognized as a prognostic factor. Increasing age was significantly correlated with other malignant tumor in combination with GIST. When comparing patients with GIST alone and GIST with other malignant tumors, the latter showed significantly poorer prognosis.

Conclusion: Coexistence of other malignant tumors was commonly observed in patients with GIST, and was associated with poorer prognosis. This association should be carefully considered and monitored in patients with GISTs.