GIST Expert Urges Patients to Seek Specialized Second Opinions

Dr. Breelyn Wilky, director of sarcoma medical oncology at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, encourages patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) to seek expert care and stay informed.

With research advancing rapidly and new treatments emerging, she says it’s crucial to get a second opinion from a specialist experienced in GIST. This can help patients better understand their current and future options, as well as potential clinical trials. Because the GIST landscape is evolving quickly, Wilky emphasizes the value of partnering with a provider who is actively engaged in the latest research and developments in the field.

Wilky also serves as the director of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, deputy associate director for Clinical Research, and the Cheryl Bennett and McNeilly Family Endowed Chair in Sarcoma Research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, UCHealth.

Transcript

What are the biggest advances in GIST treatment right now? What should patients know?

Wilky: The key thing for patients to know, especially as we're talking about just awareness day, is to get educated. Learn about your disease and the research that's being done. There is more research being done, and more new therapies are being developed. The research, understanding, and our tools and expertise are so much better for GIST than most of our other sarcoma types. Therefore, it's worth making sure you get a second opinion or see a provider who really has a lot of experience with GIST.

You don't have to stay there forever, but at least get that initial opinion, have your whole case reviewed, and get educated about your current treatment options, what they might be in the future, and any considerations for your particular tumor that you need to know about. This changes therapy, and there's so much movement in this research space. It's impossible, or at least very, very difficult, for patients to navigate some of the databases out there; even doctors sometimes have trouble finding every clinical trial on clinicaltrials.gov.

The key thing is to see a GIST specialist who has been in these circles, who has gone to the meetings and heard from the companies that are developing these latest and greatest drugs. Get yourself an expert in your corner.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

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