In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we associated eradication of H pylori infection with a reduced incidence of gastric cancer. The benefits of eradication vary with baseline gastric cancer incidence, but apply to all levels of baseline risk.

ObjectiveA global consensus meeting was held to review current evidence and knowledge gaps and propose collaborative studies on population-wide screening and eradication of Helicobacter pylori for prevention of gastric cancer (GC).Methods28 experts from 11 countries reviewed the evidence and modified the statements using the Delphi method, with consensus level predefined as ≥80% of agreement on each statement. The Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was followed.ResultsConsensus was reached in 26 statements. At an individual level, eradication of H. pylori reduces the risk of GC in asymptomatic subjects and is recommended unless there are competing considerations. In cohorts of vulnerable subjects (eg, first-degree relatives of patients with GC), a screen-and-treat strategy is also beneficial. H. pylori eradication in patients with early GC after curative endoscopic resection reduces the risk of metachronous cancer and calls for a re-examination on the hypothesis of ‘the point of no return’. At the general population level, the strategy of screen-and-treat for H. pylori infection is most cost-effective in young adults in regions with a high incidence of GC and is recommended preferably before the development of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. However, such a strategy may still be effective in people aged over 50, and may be integrated or included into national healthcare priorities, such as colorectal cancer screening programmes, to optimise the resources. Reliable locally effective regimens based on the principles of antibiotic stewardship are recommended. Subjects at higher risk of GC, such as those with advanced gastric atrophy or intestinal metaplasia, should receive surveillance endoscopy after eradication of H. pylori.ConclusionEvidence supports the proposal that eradication therapy should be offered to all individuals infected with H. pylori. Vulnerable subjects should be tested, and treated if the test is positive. Mass screening and eradication of H. pylori should be considered in populations at higher risk of GC.

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ObjectiveAlthough mass eradication of Helicobacter pylori has been proposed as a means to eliminate gastric cancer, its long-term effects remain unclear.DesignMass eradication of H. pylori infection was launched in 2004 and continued until 2018 for a high-risk Taiwanese population aged 30 years or older dwelling on Matsu Islands with prevalent H. pylori infection. Test positives for the 13C-urea breath test underwent eradication therapy. We evaluated the effectiveness of the mass eradication in reducing two main outcomes, incidence and mortality rates of gastric cancer, until the end of 2016 and 2018, respectively.ResultsAfter six rounds of mass screening and eradication, the coverage rate reached 85.5% (6512/7616). The referral rate for treatment was 93.5% (4286/4584). The prevalence rates of H. pylori fell from 64.2% to 15.0% with reinfection rates of less than 1% per person-year. The presence and severity of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia also decreased with time. Compared with the historical control period from 1995 to 2003, the effectiveness in reducing gastric cancer incidence and mortality during the chemoprevention period was 53% (95% CI 30% to 69%, p<0.001) and 25% (95% CI −14% to 51%, p=0.18), respectively. No significant changes were noted in the incidence rates of other digestive tract cancers or the antibiotic resistance rate of H. pylori.ConclusionPopulation-based eradication of H. pylori has significantly reduced gastric cancer incidence with no increase in the likelihood of adverse consequences. A significant reduction in mortality is likely to be achieved with a longer follow-up period.Trial registration numberNCT00155389

Different brands of quantitative FITs, even with the same cutoff hemoglobin concentration, perform differently in mass screening. Population-level data should be gathered to verify the credibility of quantitative laboratory findings.

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This article has an accompanying continuing medical education activity, also eligible for MOC credit, on page e82. Learning Objective-Upon completion of this activity, successful learners will be able to utilize current evidence to manage patients with positive fecal immunochemical test results for the purpose of colorectal cancer prevention. BACKGROUND & AIMS: In patients with positive results from a fecal immunochemical test (FIT), failure to receive a timely follow-up colonoscopy may be associated with higher risks of colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced-stage CRC. We evaluated the prevalence of any CRC and advanced-stage CRC associated with delays in follow-up colonoscopies for patients with positive results from a FIT. METHODS: We collected data from 39,346 patients (age, 50-69 years) who participated in the Taiwanese Nationwide Screening Program from 2004 through 2012 and had completed a colonoscopy more than 1 month after a positive result from a FIT. Risks of any CRC and advanced-stage CRC (stage III-IV) were evaluated using logistic regression models and results expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and corresponding 95% CIs. RESULTS: In our cohort, 2003 patients received a diagnosis of any CRC and 445 patients were found to have advanced-stage disease. Compared with colonoscopy within 1-3 months (cases per 1000 patients: 50 for any CRC and 11 for advanced-stage disease), risks were significantly higher when colonoscopy was delayed by more than 6 months for any CRC (aOR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.04-1.64; 68 cases per 1000 patients) and advanced-stage disease (aOR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.43-3.06; 24 cases per 1000 patients). The risks continuously increased when colonoscopy was delayed by more than 12 months for any CRC (aOR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.44-3.26; 98 cases per 1000 patients) and advanced-stage disease (aOR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.43-5.64; 31 cases per 1000 patients). There were no significant differences for colonoscopy follow up at 3-6 months for risk of any CRC (aOR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.86-1.12; 49 cases per 1000 patients) or advanced-stage disease (aOR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.72-1.25; 10 cases per 1000 patients). CONCLUSIONS: In an analysis of data from the Taiwanese Nationwide Screening Program, we found that among patients with positive results from a FIT, risks of CRC and advanced-stage disease increase with time. These findings indicate the importance of timely colonoscopy after a positive result from a FIT.

Although the age-adjusted incidence of gastric cancer is declining, the absolute number of new cases of gastric cancer is increasing due to population growth and aging. An effective strategy is needed to prevent this deadly cancer. Among the available strategies, screen-and-treat for Helicobacter pylori infection appears to be the best approach to decrease cancer risk; however, implementation of this strategy on the population level requires a systematic approach. The program also must be integrated into national healthcare priorities to allow the limited resources to be most effectively allocated. Implementation will require adoption of an appropriate screening strategy, an efficient delivery system with a timely referral for a positive test, and standardized treatment regimens based on clinical efficacy, side effects, simplicity, duration, and cost. Within the population, there are subpopulations that vary in risk such that a “one size fits all” approach is unlikely to be ideal. Sensitivity analyses will be required to identify whether the programs can be utilized by heterogeneous populations and will likely require adjustments to accommodate the needs of subpopulations.