Fig. 4

Perspective of KIT in GIST. KIT expression and its downstream activation pathway regulation mechanism needs to be taken seriously as its mechanism is not fully explained. KIT mutations are the main culprit responsible for the development of GIST and the primary/secondary resistance of imatinib. The epigenetic modification of KIT mutation and the study of new mutations’ targets are worthy of further study. Further treatment options may consider combining TKIs with other drugs that target KIT and their signaling pathway to achieve better efficacy and address drug use in resistant patients