Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer prevention is possible

Epidemiological data gathered during the past few years have shown an association between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric carcinoma. This association is considered to be causal because of its biological plausibility and the existence of an animal model, even though the positive consequences of eradication on cancer prevention have not yet been definitely proven. The limited proportion of H. pylori infected subjects who develop a gastric cancer can be explained by host factors (certain alleles of IL-1β) and bacterial factors (cag positive strains), and to a lesser extent by environmental factors (diet). Arguments in favor of the prevention of gastric carcinoma by eradicating H. pylori are now stronger than before, given the availability of simple and accurate diagnostic tests (serology) and treatment follow-up (urea breath test), as well as a 7-day treatment which is usually sufficient for eradication.