Treatment for GISTs depends on their size and symptoms. The recommended treatment for symptomatic GISTs or GISTS larger than 2cm is removal with surgery. This can be done via minimally invasive means such as laparoscopy (key-hole) surgery.
In large tumours or those that involve other organs, an immunotherapy drug may be given prior to surgery to ‘shrink’ the tumour, and reduce the need to remove more tissue than necessary.
For asymptomatic GISTs less than 2cm in size, an option of regular surveillance may also be considered.
Our team of doctors will discuss the potential risks and effectiveness of each investigative procedure and the available treatment options with you.
