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Cancer Causes & Control
Published in: Cancer Causes & Control 8/2010

01-08-2010 | Original paper

Factors contributing to the underestimation of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer risk in a high-prevalence population

Authors: Bárbara Peleteiro, Nuno Lunet, Rita Barros, Carlo La Vecchia, Henrique Barros

Published in: Cancer Causes & Control | Issue 8/2010

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Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to identify sources of underestimation of the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and non-cardia gastric cancer, in a high-risk European population.

Methods

Non-cardia gastric cancer patients (n = 420) recruited in two major hospitals in North of Portugal and population controls (n = 1,389) were evaluated. Whole-cell IgG antibodies against H. pylori were quantified by ELISA and Western Blot testing was conducted in a subsample (272 cases and 186 controls) allowing for the detection of current infection marker and CagA. Sex- and age-adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were computed.

Results

When assessing infection by ELISA, the OR for its association with gastric cancer decreases and reverts as IgG titers increased, from 1.96 (95% CI: 1.09–3.54) for borderline positive results (16.0–21.9 RU/ml) to 0.52 (95% CI: 0.36–0.74) for the highest IgG levels (≥102.0 RU/ml). The same pattern was observed across strata of age and blood collection timing with stronger associations among younger subjects and those providing blood samples earlier after diagnosis. The presence of CagA (Western Blot) was associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer (OR = 11.32; 95% CI: 5.64–22.73).

Conclusion

The use of methods with low sensitivity to detect past infection leads to a substantial underestimation of gastric cancer risk in high-prevalence settings.
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Metadata
Title
Factors contributing to the underestimation of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer risk in a high-prevalence population
Authors
Bárbara Peleteiro
Nuno Lunet
Rita Barros
Carlo La Vecchia
Henrique Barros
Publication date
01-08-2010
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Published in
Cancer Causes & Control / Issue 8/2010
Print ISSN: 0957-5243
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7225
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-010-9553-2

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