Advancement in medical treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): a ray of hope

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This review highlights advancements facilitated by molecularly targeted therapies like imatinib for advanced, metastatic, and high-risk GISTs, underscoring their neoadjuvant/adjuvant utility and the importance of multidisciplinary care. Emerging avenues, including immunotherapy, PI3K/mTOR/HSP90 inhibitors, are examined, reflecting the evolving treatment landscape. Furthermore, it explores distinct clinical considerations for GIST subtypes like spindle cell, epithelioid, mixed, and SDH-deficient tumors. Crucially, identifying predictive biomarkers (molecular alterations, non-coding RNAs, SLITRK3 expression, aberrant DNA methylation, radiomics) is emphasized for optimizing individualized regimens and improving outcomes. Overall, the review highlights the remarkable advances in GIST treatment while emphasizing the need for ongoing research into novel, molecularly tailored therapeutic strategies.