Gastrointestinal stromal tumorsm (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors that arise anywhere in the tubular GI tract. The prognosis for GSTIs is important because f GISTs may metastasiwx in the liver or the abdominal cavity in an early stage. For the reason we examined the tumor size, the mitotic number, ki 67, p53, and c-kit mutation as independent prognostic factor for GISTs.

A retrospective study was conducted in 76 patients who had been re-evaluated for confirmation of diagnosis between Jan 1998 and Dec. 2001. at Catholic University of medicine.

There were significant difference between the tumor size, mitotic indices, ki 67, c-kit mutations and the 5-years survival rates. Tumor size (≥ or = 5 cm) and mitotic index (≥ or = 5/50 HPF) were statistically related to a significantly poor prognosis (P=0.017 and P=0.042, respectively). c-kit mutations in exon 11 were found in 7 cases c-kit mutation was observed more frequently in high risk patients, and there was a significant difference between c-kit mutation and survival (P=0.037). Elevated ki 67 was noted in 34 out of the 76 cases. High risk patients showed elevated ki67 index more frequently and there was significant relation with the survival rate (P=0.0417).

We think that tumor size, mitotic index, Ki 67 and c-kit mutation are as independent prognostic factors for GISTs, but more research is needed.