Utility of inflammatory markers as predictors of recurrence in gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Insights from a nomogram-based approach

Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), the most prevalent mesenchymal tumors, often have poor outcomes due to high recurrence rates. However, the specific risk factors for GISTs, particularly those concerning the innate immune-inflammatory response, remain poorly understood. This editorial highlights key prognostic factors that impact GIST progression and prognosis, while discussing the findings of a recent study that investigated the prognostic value of systemic inflammatory markers: systemic immune-inflammation index, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio, on recurrence-free survival in GIST patients. This editorial examines strategies to enhance the clinical applicability of the nomogram developed in the study, ensuring its effectiveness for robust implementation. Future directions outlined in the editorial stress the importance of integrating molecular insights, including KIT and PDGFRA mutations, tumor staging, and mitotic rates to refine predictive models. The editorial also underscores the value of multi-center studies to enhance the generalizability and clinical relevance of these approaches. By bridging inflammatory biomarkers with genetic and clinicopathologic factors, a more comprehensive understanding of GIST pathophysiology can be developed, paving the way for improved management strategies and patient outcomes. This perspective serves as a call to action for continued research into the interplay between genetic mutations, inflammatory marker modulation, and GIST progression, aiming to expand the scope of personalized oncology through a deeper understanding of GIST progression.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor; Recurrence prediction; Nomogram predicative modeling; Inflammatory markers; Tumor risk factors

Core Tip: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) treatment is complicated due to its high recurrence rate and multifactorial etiology. This editorial explores the findings of a recent study that evaluates the impact of inflammatory markers on GIST tumor progression and prognosis. Platelet/lymphocyte ratio and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio significantly correlated with recurrence-free survival of patients with GISTs. This editorial explores how future integration of genetic mutations, tumor staging, and molecular profiling could bolster these results and future predictive models developed from this analysis.