Gastric cancer and Helicobacter pylori

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium that chronically infects the stomach of more than 50% of the human population and represents a major cause of gastric cancer, gastric lymphoma, gastric autoimmunity and peptic ulcer diseases. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies H. pylori as a human carcinogen for gastric cancer. Eradicating the bacterium in high-risk populations reduces the incidence of gastric cancer. Likewise, antibiotic treatment leads to regression of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Gastric inflammation induced by H. pylori is the main singular risk factor for gastric malignancies. This chapter outlines the bacterial and host factors involved in the genesis of gastric cancer and gastric lymphoma. Treatment options for patients with an advanced gastric malignancy are still limited, but the introduction of an effective vaccine will be the best tool for preventing both H. pylori infection, gastric cancer and gastric lymphoma.