Treatment Options for Metastatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors to the Liver: A Review

Up to half of patients with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) will present with metastatic disease, most commonly involving the liver. Prior to the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, treatment options were limited for patients with metastatic GIST to the liver resulting in dismal survival rates. However, with the advent of effective systemic chemotherapy and continued advancements in both surgical and local adjunctive therapy options, significant improvements in survival have been achieved. In this review, the authors characterize the evolution of the treatment approach for metastatic GIST to the liver, including the roles of both surgical resection and adjunctive therapies in today's practice.