INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common sarcoma of the digestive tract. This cancer occurs due to mutation of the KIT gene resulting in constitutive activation of KIT protein. The primary treatment is surgical and consists of complete resection. However, some groups of patients at high risk of recurrence even after surgery with complete resection (R0), indicate differences in biological behavior. Clinical studies have demonstrated the clinical activity of imatinib mesylate, making it the standard first-line treatment in metastatic or unresectable GISTs, changing the outcome of this disease in relation to the benefits obtained previously with cancer chemotherapy. METHODS: Was performed a literature review with consultation in Medline/Pubmed, Lilacs and Scielo crossing the key words: gastrointestinal stromal tumor, GIST, treatment, adjuvant treatment. In addition to this review was added to the authors' personal experience. CONCLUSION: Better refinement of prognostic criteria is allowed to select the most appropriate patients for adjuvant treatment with imatinib. The results are yet evident on basis of one year, which produces significant benefit in relapse-free survival but not overall survival in these patients.
GIST; Treatment; Adjuvant treatment; Gastrointestinal stromal tumor
