Association between Helicobacter Pylori and Gastric Cancer

Introduction:A casual relation has been thought to exist between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer. The present study was carried out to find correlation between H. pylori and gastric carcinogenesis. Methods: A case control study was performed in the department of endoscopy, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, between January 2008 and February 2009. All patients having carcinoma stomach on endoscopic evaluation later confirmed by histopathological examination were included. Total 50 healthy individuals, with no positive finding in endoscopy were included in control group. Results: Total 37 cases were analyzed. There were 23 (62.2%) males and 14 (37.8%) females. Majority were above 60 years (46%). Blood group A was commonest group found in patients with carcinoma stomach. Distal part, antrum, 20 (54%) was commonest location of tumor and Borrmann type three was commonest endoscopic type of tumor presentation. Majority of patients received triple therapy and H. pylori detection was low in those treated with triple therapy. Distal tumors were significantly associated with increased prevalence of H. pylori positivity. Total incidence of H. pylori in cases was 54% (20/37). In 15 (75%) cases, H. pylori could be detected by both ELISA and biopsy method. Incidence of H. pylori in controls was 64% (32/50). There was no statistically significant difference in H. pylori presence in cases and control. Conclusions: Our study couldn’t establish association between H. pylori and gastric cancer. More prospective trials can help find out correlation between combination of risk factors and gastric cancer.  Keywords: helicobacter pylori; gastric cancer; risk factors