Individualized surgical treatment in patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor — a case series

In this case series we present the cases of two patients at a metastatic stage stomach gastrointestinal stromal tumor, who received treatment with imatinib. After period disease stability showed signs resistance to first-line therapy and despite promising switch sunitinib, developed life-threatening complications. Salvage surgeries were performed, aimed preserving life simultaneously reducing tumor mass. Operation greatly improved condition allowed for successful continuation tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment, showing that surgery should be considered viable complement chemotherapeutical treatment.