Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on metachronous gastric cancer after endoscopic resection of gastric tumors: a meta-analysis

Background: Although endoscopic resection is widely accepted as the curative treatment modality for early gastric cancer, secondary metachronous cancer may subsequently develop in the residual gastric mucosa. The preventive effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the development of metachronous gastric cancer in such cases remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of H. pylori eradication on the development of metachronous gastric cancer after endoscopic resection of gastric neoplasm by a meta-analysis of all relevant studies.

Materials and methods: We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library without language restrictions through March 31, 2014. We included all relevant articles, including prospective, observational, and retrospective studies. Pooled estimates (odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals) were obtained using a random effects model.

Results: Thirteen studies were considered to be appropriate for this meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, the pooled odds ratio in the eradication group was 0.42 (95% confidence interval, 0.32-0.56), and there was no heterogeneity across the studies (p = .853, I(2) = 0%). Subgroup analysis of three prospective trials also showed a lower incidence of metachronous cancer in the eradication group (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.75). There was no evidence of publication bias in this meta-analysis.

Conclusion: Helicobacter pylori eradication reduces the occurrence of metachronous gastric cancer in patients who have undergone endoscopic resection.