Treatment of Helicobacter pylori and prevention of gastric cancer

J Dig Dis. 2008 Feb;9(1):8-13. doi: 10.1111/j.1443-9573.2007.00315.x.

Abstract

Gastric cancer is the second commonest fatal malignancy in the world with a high incidence in China. Helicobacter pylori infection is an important factor in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. Epidemiological studies have shown a strong causal relationship between H. pylori infection and gastric cancer. Animal studies also show that eradication of H. pylori infection, especially at the early stage, is effective in preventing H. pylori-related gastric carcinogenesis. H. pylori eradication leads to regression and prevents the progression of gastric precancerous lesions, but only in a minority of cases. H. pylori eradication appears to be the most promising approach in gastric cancer prevention. The current available data in human studies showed that H. pylori eradication can reduce the risk of developing gastric cancer and this strategy is more useful in patients without atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia. A longer follow-up and additional studies are needed for better understanding this issue.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Helicobacter Infections / complications
  • Helicobacter Infections / drug therapy*
  • Helicobacter pylori / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Stomach Neoplasms / microbiology
  • Stomach Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents