Past and present of risk stratification of gastrointestinal stromal tumors and its clinical value

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in the gastrointestinal tract. Biological behavior of GIST is varied. It is very important to accurately assess the risk of recurrence and metastasis after resection of primary tumor in order to guide adjuvant therapy and predict prognosis. With increasing understanding of the biological behavior of GIST, the risk stratification criterion has undergone continuous reform and improvement since its introduction. In the early stage, clinical parameters such as tumor size and mitotic rate were formulated as risk stages, and then tumor site, tumor rupture and other factors were included to form a more accurate AFIP standard and modified NIH risk stratification. Recently, more researches have used new statistical methods such as nomogram and contour maps, which more accurately predict risk of recurrence and better guide adjuvant treatment. Thus, individualized treatment of GIST becomes possible.