Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Gastrointestinal mesenchymal stromal tumours (GIST) are the most common rare non-epithelial tumours of the gastrointestinal tract, accounting for 0.1-3% of gastrointestinal tract malignancies. At Alfa Cytology, we are committed to helping our clients unravel the complexity of GIST by providing integrated preclinical research solutions.
Introduction to Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
GIST is a rare type of tumor that originates in the gastrointestinal tract. It accounts for approximately 20% of sarcomatous tumors and represents 1-2% of primary gastrointestinal cancers. GISTs are characterized by the overgrowth of specialized cells called interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) or their precursors, which normally regulate the movement of the digestive tract. These tumors commonly occur in the stomach (60-70% of cases), followed by the small intestine (20-25%), colon and rectum (5%), and rarely in the esophagus.
Fig.1 Age standardized (World) incidence rates, Gallbladder, females, all ages. (Jean-Yves, B., et al., 2021)
Pathogenesis of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
The pathogenesis of GIST is closely linked to genetic mutations, with the majority of cases involving mutations in the KIT or PDGFRA genes. The KIT gene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that plays a crucial role in cell growth and survival. Activating mutations in KIT or PDGFRA lead to the constitutive activation of these receptors, resulting in uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumor formation.
Therapy Development for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Surgical Management
Surgery is the primary treatment modality for localized and resectable GISTs. Complete resection of the tumor is essential, and efforts should be made to prevent tumor rupture during the procedure. High-risk patients may require post-operative adjuvant therapy, including the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as imatinib, to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Targeted Therapies
TKIs, such as imatinib, have shown remarkable efficacy in inhibiting the activity of mutant KIT and PDGFRA receptors, leading to disease control and improved overall survival. However, despite initial responses, resistance to TKIs can develop due to secondary mutations in the target genes, necessitating the exploration of alternative treatment options.
Emerging Treatment Approaches
The emergence of resistance mechanisms in GIST has prompted the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Researchers have been investigating the potential of combination therapies, involving the use of multiple targeted agents, to overcome resistance and enhance treatment outcomes.
Our Services
Exploration into the mechanisms of gastrointestinal stromal tumor circumstance and progression is ongoing to enhance individual ways, therapy approaches, and so on. As a leader in the field of cancer, Alfa Cytology is working on providing one-stop solutions for uterine sarcoma, including but not limited to the following.
Modeling Services of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Alfa Cytology specializes in providing various animal models tailored for GISTs research. These models are valuable tools to study GISTs etiology, progression, and therapy.
Xenograft models can be established using subcutaneous or orthotopic (tumor implanted in the appropriate organ) methods.
Genetically Engineered Mouse Models (GEMMs)
For example, mice can be engineered to carry mutations in genes like KIT or PDGFRA, which are commonly mutated in human GISTs.
In PDX models, tumor tissues obtained directly from patients are implanted into immunocompromised mice.
Spontaneous GIST models occur naturally in certain animal species, such as dogs and some other mammals.
Alfa Cytology is committed to the research and study of cancer, from cell therapy development services, immune checkpoint inhibitor development services, to cancer drug development services, providing one-stop solutions. Our cancer experts have many years of experience in the development of the latest therapies for gastrointestinal stromal tumor. If you are interested in our service, please contact us.
Reference
- Jean-Yves, B., et al.; (2021). Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (Primer). Nature Reviews: Disease Primers, 7(1).
For research use only.
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