Is there any prognostic significance of age in gastrointestinal stromal tumor?

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are uncommon primary mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract mostly observed in the adults. Small intestinal GISTs are relatively rare even in adults and it can be regarded as exceptional in childhood. Most GISTs arise because of a mutation in a gene called c-kit. This gene encodes a transmembrane receptor for the growth factor termed stem cell factor. An 11-month-old girl was referred to our hospital with vomiting. A small bowel mass was detected by radiological examination and the patient underwent surgery. During surgery, a 2 cm solid tumoral mass arising from the wall of the jejunum was identified. Immunohistochemical analysis of the specimen revealed to be positive for CD117 (c-KIT protein) consistent with a diagnosis of GIST. Forty two months later, a recurrent mass developed on the omentum. Specimen obtained during re-operation revealed similar features with the primary tumor. The treatment with imatinib was started following surgical resection of the recurrent tumor. After the second surgery, the patient had an uneventful course and remained disease-free during seven years of follow-up.