Potential biomarkers for the prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Core Tip

Core Tip: The importance of predicting prognosis in the management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) is well known, with a particular focus on mitotic activity, tumor size, anatomical location, and KIT and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha mutation status. It underscores the emerging significance of inflammatory markers such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, systemic immune-to-inflammation index, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in predicting GIST prognosis and recurrence risk. This study identified the MLR and PLR as independent risk factors, thereby providing a predictive model for recurrence-free survival. However, it is important to note that the study has limitations, including its retrospective design, small sample size, and lack of external validation.