New gene fusions, mutations linked to gastrointestinal stromal tumors

In recent years, researchers have identified specific gene mutations linked to gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), which primarily occur in the stomach or small intestine, but 10 to 15 percent of adult GIST cases and most pediatric cases lack the tell-tale mutations, making identification and treatment difficult. Researchers have identified new gene fusions and mutations associated with this subset of GIST patients.