A large proportion of these tumors express stem-cell factor receptor (c-KIT) and platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs), providing a rationale for the use of tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs).<h4>Case report</h4>A 27-year-old male presented with recurrent chordoma of the lumbar spine 4 years after initial diagnosis. The gene discussed is KIT; the disease is chordoma.