Esophageal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (eGIST) carry inherent malignant potential. When classified as medium- or high-risk and not primarily non-resectable, active intervention is indicated rather than surveillance alone.
Esophageal GIST, medium- or high-risk, not primarily non-resectable. Because of their inherent malignant potential, eGIST at this risk level require surgical resection rather than close monitoring alone.
Surgical resection with curative intent is central to management, with the choice of surgical procedure guided by tumor characteristics. For high-risk cases, adjuvant systemic therapy is a component of the approach. The complete protocol — including specific indications, procedural selection, and systemic therapy guidance — is available below.
Because of their inherent malignant potential, eGIST require close clinical monitoring or, if medium- or high-risk, surgical resection.
R0 resection remains the aim to strive for during surgery, while lymphadenectomy, as for GIST at other localizations, is usually not required.
Based on data of 3 RCTs, adjuvant therapy for 3 years is recommended for patients with high-risk tumors.
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