Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST)

Turnaround Time

7-15 days

General Information

Up to 90% of all malignant GISTs harbour gain-of function mutations in the KIT / PDGFRA genes. Primary mutations have been described in exons 9, 11, 13 & 17 of KIT, and exons 12, 14 & 18 of PDGFRA. Secondary (acquired or treatment associated) mutations have also been described. Selective TKIs have a high response rate in patients with advanced GISTs, which are largely radiotherapy and chemotherapy resistant. Evidence suggests that the type and location of KIT or PDGFRA mutations in GISTs predicts the response to TKI treatment.

What to send:

  • Paraffin block from biopsy, resection or cell block
  • Unstained mounted sections at 6μm on uncharged slides

Please note tissue handling, tissue fixation, time between cutting and staining and excessive drying can lead to loss of expression. Fixatives containing alcohol should not be used and use of Bouin’s fixative will preclude testing by FISH methods.

A copy of the original Pathology report where possible.

Specifications

  • EQA Status: NEQAS

General Information

General information about the website and its content

Location of Laboratories

Where the laboratories are located and information about the services offered at each laboratory