General treatment information
Once a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is found and staged, your cancer care team will discuss your treatment options with you. In determining these options, important factors include the tumor characteristics (such as its size, location, growth rate, and whether it has spread) and your overall health.
The main types of treatment used for GISTs include surgery and targeted therapy drugs. Other treatments, such as chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, are used much less often.
Based on your options, you may have different types of doctors on your treatment team. These doctors may include:
- A gastrointestinal surgeon: a doctor who treats diseases of the digestive system with surgery.
- A medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with medicines.
- A gastroenterologist: a doctor who specializes in treatment of diseases of the digestive system.
- A radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy.
Many other specialists may be involved in your care as well, including nurse practitioners, nurses, nutrition specialists, social workers, and other health professionals.
It is important to discuss all treatment options as well as their possible side effects with your doctors to help make the decision that best fits your needs. If time permits, it is often a good idea to seek a second opinion. A second opinion can provide more information and help you feel confident about the chosen treatment plan.
The next few sections describe the different types of treatment for GIST. This is followed by a discussion of the most common treatment options based on the extent of the cancer.
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