Abstract:Objective:To investigate the significance of the mutation of c-kit gene in the development, clinical pathology and prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs).Methods:The technique of PCR-SSCP was used to detect c-kit gene mutation in 106 cases of GIST, and 57 of the cases were followed-up. Results:The c-kit gene mutation rate in the whole group was 45.3%(48/106), and 3.4%(2/41) in benign GIST, and 70.8%(46/65) in malignant GIST. The 1-,3 and 5-year survival rates and median survival time of the mutation positive group were all markedlly lower than those of the mutation negative group. A comparison of the parameters that can differentiate the benign GISTs from malignant ones such as size,histological necrosis,aggressive grade,nucleus mitotic count and nuclear discrepancy, showed significant difference between the of postive and negative gene mutation(P<0.005), and the occurrence rates of tumor invasion into neighboring structures, metastasis and recurrence in mutation positive group were all obviously higher than those in mutation negative group.Conclusions:Mutation of c-kit can play an important role in the occurrence and development of GIST, and it may be an important marker to predict the clinical prognosis of GIST patients.