Activating KIT gene mutations including deletions, substitutions, insertions, and duplications have been identified in 80 - 85% of newly diagnosed Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) patients. These mutations have been found to influence the clinical response of KIT/PDGFR targeted therapies such as imatinib (Gleevec^®). In addition, a portion of imatinib-treated GIST patients relapse with secondary KIT mutations resistant to imatinib suppression of KIT tyrosine kinase activation.

MolecularMD refers to the clinical experts in KIT related molecular pathology at the Oregon Health & Sciences University to provide the most sensitive, reliable testing services available.

KIT Mutation Status (Exon 9 and 11)

MolecularMD offers three validated assays for assessment of KIT mutational status to support GIST patient treatment with targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. The MolecularMD CLIA/CAP certified reference laboratory is currently active in providing KIT mutational testing for international Phase III clinical trials.

Refer to the KIT Mutation Status PDF document for description and test specifications.