Management of liver metastases from gastrointestinal stromal tumors: where do we stand?

The recommended management of liver metastases (LM) from gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) disease consists of perioperative administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and surgical resection. The aim of our study was to investigate the efficacy of this therapeutic approach. Studies reporting outcomes for patients underwent liver resection from metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) were overviewed. Eleven studies were included, which enrolled 240 patients with liver metastasis from GISTs. A median overall survival (OS) interval of 41.8 months was calculated while a median disease free interval of 17.9 [17-43] months following resection was also measured. Recurrences were recorded in 63 patients. Prognostic factors identified by the studies included surgical resection, R0 resection, age <55 years, clinical response to TKIs, pre- and postoperative administration of TKIs. The included studies highlight the importance of complete resection and the timing of resection, as well underline the importance of pre- and post-operative administration of TKIs.