The association of Helicobacter pylori with pancreatic cancer

Infection with Helicobacter pylori (HP) affects 50% of the world. Previous studies have suggested an association between HP and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC). These association studies have been limited in their ability to identify the incidence and risk factors of PC among HP infected individuals and the impact of HP eradication on PC.

Retrospective cohort study within the Veterans Administration of 103,595 patients (median age 62.3; 92.0% male) with HP diagnosis based on pathology, stool antigen, urea breath test, or serum antibody between 1/1/1994-12/31/2018. Primary outcome was future PC diagnosis. A time to event with competing risk analysis was performed, evaluating patient demographics and history, method of HP diagnosis, and whether the patient received HP treatment. Secondary analysis of those treated evaluated whether confirmed eradication was associated with PC.

The cumulative incidence of PC at 5 and 10 years was 0.37% and 0.54%, respectively. Patients who developed PC were older, male, reside in areas with higher poverty. Preceding diabetes and chronic pancreatitis were strongly associated with PC. Factors not associated with PC included receiving an eradication regimen, diagnosis of an active infection (versus prior exposure alone), and eradication of HP.

PC after HP is rare. Chronic pancreatitis is the main risk factor for PC. Active HP infection, treatment of HP infection, or eradication of HP are not associated with future PC. This study calls into question the association between PC and HP.