Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer

Gastric cancer despite a declining incidence remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality world wide. There is strong epidemiological and histological evidence to associate Helicobacter pylori infection with the subsequent development of gastric cancer. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms involved remain to be elucidated. There is evidence to relate Helicobacter pylori infection and subsequent inflammation with an increase in gastric epithelial cell proliferation and with the induction of apoptosis. Such alterations in cellular dynamics may promote the development of mitogenic cell lines by inducing DNA damage. Studies have shown that following successful treatment, proliferation rates return to normal. At what histological stage, eradication is of benefit is less clear. It is likely that following the development of atrophy or intestinal metaplasia eradication will only slow progression. It would, therefore, seem logical, that to establish any benefit for a population, treatment should be employed at an earlier stage. As yet, an at risk group has not been identified, and as such population screening cannot be advised, mainly as a result of financial implications and the risk of promoting the development of resistant strains. Recent studies have explored the rules of bacterial factors, CagA and VacA status, host factors, HLA type, and environmental factors as determinants of outcome. Results have been variable. The establishment of an at risk group would enable selective screening and treatment, and thus prevent the development of gastric carcinoma as a result of Helicobacter pylori infection in the long-term.