Study Reveals How Gastric Bacteria Leakage Triggers Stomach Cancer Progression

New Delhi: A recent study has revealed that gastric bacteria leaking around the stomach lining significantly contributes to the development of stomach cancer, a condition characterized by limited treatment options and low survival rates. This research, conducted by scholars from the University of Birmingham, highlights a critical interaction between Helicobacter pylori and non-H. pylori bacteria during the pre-cancerous phase of gastric cancer. Published in the journal Helicobacter, these findings may lead to more effective treatments for pre-cancerous conditions. Dr. Amanda Rossiter-Pearson from the university expressed enthusiasm about the potential of this discovery to initiate new research pathways aimed at preventing stomach cancer. She noted that a straightforward antibiotic treatment might be viable for addressing these bacteria, although further investigation is necessary. Dr. Rossiter-Pearson underscored the importance of identifying these bacteria and understanding their role in increasing the risk of stomach cancer in patients with pre-cancerous conditions. Gastric cancer ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related fatalities globally. While Helicobacter pylori infection is often asymptomatic for many individuals, it has long been recognized as the primary risk factor for stomach cancer. However, the reason why only 1 percent of infections progress to gastric cancer remains unclear. To explore this, the research team employed advanced imaging technology to locate the bacteria. They discovered that while H. pylori primarily colonizes gastric glands, non-H. pylori bacteria infiltrate the stomach lining in the pre-cancerous state known as gastric intestinal metaplasia. These results indicate that bacterial leakage into deeper gastric tissues may be a previously unrecognized factor in the progression of cancer. If H. pylori is detected early, it can be effectively eradicated with antibiotics, thereby reducing the risk of developing gastric cancer. However, once pre-cancerous changes occur, antibiotic treatment becomes less effective.