EUROHELICAN-Accelerating Gastric Cancer Reduction Through Helicobacter pylori Eradication

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Gastric cancer is largely preventable, with chronic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection being a primary cause.
• The EUROHELICAN project aims to assess H. pylori screen-and-treat programs in Europe.
• Focus includes younger adults (30-34 years) and long-term effects in middle-aged adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and adverse events of H. pylori screen-and-treat in younger adults.
• Assess long-term H. pylori eradication effects in middle-aged adults via the GISTAR study.
• Prepare IARC expert guidance on population-based H. pylori screen-and-treat strategies for gastric cancer prevention.

Main Methods:

• Screen-and-treat study for younger adults conducted in a community healthcare setting.
• Long-term follow-up of the GISTAR study in Latvia for middle-aged adults.
• Expert group evaluation of study protocols and progress by Nantes University Hospital.
• Convening of an IARC Working Group to develop global guidance on H. pylori strategies.

Main Results:

• Both studies received positive evaluations at various stages.
• The strategies were deemed appropriate for testing feasibility and investigating long-term adverse effects.
• The IARC expert group report will provide guidance for future prevention programs.

Conclusions:

• H. pylori screen-and-treat strategies show promise for gastric cancer prevention.
• The evaluated programs are suitable for community healthcare settings.
• International guidance will support future primary gastric cancer prevention initiatives.