Gastric adenocarcinoma: the role ofHelicobacter pyloriin pathogenesis and prevention efforts

Abstract

Gastric cancer is the third most common cause of cancer deaths in the world, prompting high-risk countries like South Korea and Japan to establish nationwide screening programmes. Helicobacter pylori is linked to the majority of gastric adenocarcinoma cases and to the vast majority of non-cardia gastric adenocarcinomas. Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of 'test-and-treat' programmes for H. pylori infection to prevent gastric cancer in high-risk populations. While this strategy has gained momentum, providers in low-risk developed countries may be unaware of the risk individual patients face, particularly those who have emigrated from high-risk regions and members of economically disadvantaged minority groups. Rapidly evolving science in recent years has made it difficult for clinicians to keep up with the current best practices. This article reviews the epidemiology of H. pylori and gastric cancer, screening and diagnostic tests and the current treatment regimens for clinicians.

Distinct genomic profile in h. pylori‐associated gastric cancer

“…10 It is known to cause gastritis and gastric ulcer through chronical inflammation, which may later develop into cancerous tissues. 11,12 Despite the important association between H. pylori and gastric cancer, the genomic landscape of H. pyloripositive gastric tumors remains largely unknown. There is some evidence that H. pylori could activate the oncogenic drivers EGFR and Akt signaling, both oncogenic drivers, in gastric cancer cells.…”

“…H. pylori is a helix‐shaped Gram‐negative bacterium usually found in the stomach 10 . It is known to cause gastritis and gastric ulcer through chronical inflammation, which may later develop into cancerous tissues 11,12 . Despite the important association between H. pylori and gastric cancer, the genomic landscape of H. pylori‐positive gastric tumors remains largely unknown.…”

Gastric carcinoma: Insights into risk factors, methods of diagnosis, possible lines of management, and the role of primary care

“…[ 12 ] Laird-Fick et al . [ 13 ] reported that Helicobacter pylori infection is the direct cause of at least 75% of gastric carcinoma worldwide. Helicobacter pylori was proven to disrupt the tight junctions between gastric cells, insert genetic material into them, and suppress the host immune responses.…”

“…[ 15 ] Moreover, Helicobacter pylori infection was reported to induce DNA methylation and histone modification in the gastric epithelial cells with the final result of the development of gastric carcinoma. [ 13 ]…”

Helicobacter pylori Treatment: Potential for Gastric Cancer Prevention

“…Almost half of the world's population has been infected with H. pylori, particularly in developing countries where people are more susceptible to the infection, mostly due to the large populations and poor sanitation (2,3).…”