Incidence of metachronous gastric cancer in patients whose primary gastric neoplasms were discovered after Helicobacter pylori eradication

RE.GA.IN.: the Real-world Gastritis Initiative-updating the updates

At the end of the last century, a far-sighted 'working party' held in Sydney, Australia addressed the clinicopathological issues related to gastric inflammatory diseases. A few years later, an international conference held in Houston, Texas, USA critically updated the seminal Sydney classification. In line with these initiatives, Kyoto Global Consensus Report, flanked by the Maastricht-Florence conferences, added new clinical evidence to the gastritis clinicopathological puzzle.The most relevant topics related to the gastric inflammatory diseases have been addressed by the Real-world Gastritis Initiative (RE.GA.IN.), from disease definitions to the clinical diagnosis and prognosis. This paper reports the conclusions of the RE.GA.IN. consensus process, which culminated in Venice in November 2022 after more than 8 months of intense global scientific deliberations. A forum of gastritis scholars from five continents participated in the multidisciplinary RE.GA.IN. consensus. After lively debates on the most controversial aspects of the gastritis spectrum, the RE.GA.IN. Faculty amalgamated complementary knowledge to distil patient-centred, evidence-based statements to assist health professionals in their real-world clinical practice. The sections of this report focus on: the epidemiology of gastritis; Helicobacter pylori as dominant aetiology of environmental gastritis and as the most important determinant of the gastric oncogenetic field; the evolving knowledge on gastric autoimmunity; the clinicopathological relevance of gastric microbiota; the new diagnostic horizons of endoscopy; and the clinical priority of histologically reporting gastritis in terms of staging. The ultimate goal of RE.GA.IN. was and remains the promotion of further improvement in the clinical management of patients with gastritis.

Metachronous gastric neoplasm beyond 5 years after endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The natural course of early gastric cancer (EGC) following endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the long-term clinical outcomes and risk factors of metachronous gastric neoplasm (MGN) 5 years after ESD for EGC.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent ESD for EGC from July 2005 to October 2015 in Seoul National University Hospital. Long-term clinical outcomes and risk factors of MGN after 5 years post-ESD were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among the 2059 patients who underwent ESD for EGC, 1102 were followed up for > 5 years. MGN developed in 132 patients 5 years after ESD. During the median follow-up period of 85 months, the cumulative incidences of MGN and metachronous gastric cancer were 11.7, 16.9, and 27.0 and 7.6, 10.8, and 18.7% after 5, 7, and 10 years, respectively. In multivariable analysis, male sex (odds ratio 1.770; P = 0.042), severe intestinal metaplasia (odds ratio 1.255; P = 0.000), tumor-positive lateral margin (odds ratio 2.711; P = 0.008), < 5 mm lateral safety margin (odds ratio 1.568; P = 0.050), and synchronous adenoma (odds ratio 2.612; P = 0.001) were positive predictive factors, and successful eradication of Helicobacter pylori (odds ratio 0.514; P = 0.024) was a negative predictive factor for MGN after 5 years post-ESD.

CONCLUSION

The cumulative MGN incidence was high even 5 years post-ESD for EGC. Meticulous long-term endoscopic follow-up is mandatory, especially in male patients with underlying intestinal metaplasia, tumor-positive lateral margins, lateral safety margins of < 5 mm, and synchronous adenomas.

Kyoto classification of gastritis: Advances and future perspectives in endoscopic diagnosis of gastritis

This editorial provides an update of the recent evidence on the endoscopy-based Kyoto classification of gastritis, clarifying the shortcomings of the Kyoto classification, and providing prospects for future research, with particular focus on the histological subtypes of gastric cancer (GC) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection status. The total Kyoto score is designed to express GC risk on a score ranging from 0 to 8, based on the following five endoscopic findings: Atrophy, intestinal metaplasia (IM), enlarged folds (EF), nodularity, and diffuse redness (DR). The total Kyoto score reflects H. pylori status as follows: 0, ≥ 2, and ≥ 4 indicate a normal stomach, H. pylori-infected gastritis, and gastritis at risk for GC, respectively. Regular arrangement of collecting venules (RAC) predicts non-infection; EF, nodularity, and DR predict current infection; map-like redness (MLR) predicts past infection; and atrophy and IM predict current or past infection. Atrophy, IM, and EF all increase the incidence of H. pylori-infected GC. MLR is a specific risk factor for H. pylori-eradicated GC, while RAC results in less GC. Diffuse-type GC can be induced by active inflammation, which presents as EF, nodularity, and atrophy on endoscopy, as well as neutrophil and mononuclear cell infiltration on histology. In contrast, intestinal-type GC develops via atrophy and IM, and is consistent between endoscopy and histology. However, this GC risk-scoring design needs to be improved.

Statistical proof of Helicobacter pylori eradication in preventing metachronous gastric cancer after endoscopic resection in an East Asian population

We conducted a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis study on the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication in preventing metachronous gastric cancer after endoscopic resection among an East Asian population. Our results showed that the eradication of this pathogen significantly reduced the risk of susceptibility to metachronous gastric cancer in these patients. However, based on the available evidence, several factors such as increasing age, severe atrophy in the corpus and antrum, and intestinal metaplasia all may increase the risk of metachronous gastric cancer in H. pylori eradicated patients.

Outcomes of simultaneous endoscopic submucosal dissection for synchronous multiple gastric neoplastic lesions: a retrospective comparative study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Simultaneous endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is occasionally used in synchronous multiple gastric neoplastic lesions (SMGL). Therefore, we aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of simultaneous ESD for SMGL compared with ESD for single lesions.

METHODS

A total of 1058 patients who received ESD from November 2006 to September 2019 were retrospectively evaluated in this study, including 997 single gastric epithelial lesions treated by single ESD (unifocal group) and 125 SMGL from 61 patients treated by simultaneous ESD (multifocal group).

RESULTS

The mean procedure time was 49.2 ± 41.30 min and 89.5 ± 66.33 min in unifocal group and multifocal group, respectively (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in postoperative stenosis rate (1.0% vs. 0.0%, p = 1.000), intraoperative bleeding (endoscopic resection bleeding-c3 grade) rate (0.5% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.696), postoperative bleeding rate (1.3% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.461), and perforation rate (0.9% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.449) between the two groups. In addition, en block resection rate (p = 0.825), complete resection rate (p = 0.856) and curative resection rate (p = 0.709) were comparable between the two groups. During the follow-up, the local recurrence rate per patient: p = 0.363; per lesion: p = 0.235) was not significantly different between the two groups, however, the cumulative incidence of metachronous lesions after treatment was significantly higher in the multifocal group than the other group (10.0% vs. 3.2%, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous ESD is safe and effective in the treatment of SMGL. However, separate ESD is recommended for SMGL with longer procedure time. Besides, the metachronous gastric neoplastic lesions should be paid attention to during follow-up.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial gastrointestinal lesions: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline - Update 2022

ESGE recommends that the evaluation of superficial gastrointestinal (GI) lesions should be made by an experienced endoscopist, using high definition white-light and chromoendoscopy (virtual or dye-based).ESGE does not recommend routine performance of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET)-CT prior to endoscopic resection.ESGE recommends endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) as the treatment of choice for most superficial esophageal squamous cell and superficial gastric lesions.For Barrett's esophagus (BE)-associated lesions, ESGE suggests the use of ESD for lesions suspicious of submucosal invasion (Paris type 0-Is, 0-IIc), for malignant lesions > 20 mm, and for lesions in scarred/fibrotic areas.ESGE does not recommend routine use of ESD for duodenal or small-bowel lesions.ESGE suggests that ESD should be considered for en bloc resection of colorectal (but particularly rectal) lesions with suspicion of limited submucosal invasion (demarcated depressed area with irregular surface pattern or a large protruding or bulky component, particularly if the lesions are larger than 20 mm) or for lesions that otherwise cannot be completely removed by snare-based techniques.ESGE recommends that an en bloc R0 resection of a superficial GI lesion with histology no more advanced than intramucosal cancer (no more than m2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma), well to moderately differentiated, with no lymphovascular invasion or ulceration, should be considered a very low risk (curative) resection, and no further staging procedure or treatment is generally recommended.ESGE recommends that the following should be considered to be a low risk (curative) resection and no further treatment is generally recommended: an en bloc R0 resection of a superficial GI lesion with superficial submucosal invasion (sm1), that is well to moderately differentiated, with no lymphovascular invasion, of size ≤ 20 mm for an esophageal squamous cell carcinoma or ≤ 30 mm for a stomach lesion or of any size for a BE-related or colorectal lesion, and with no lymphovascular invasion, and no budding grade 2 or 3 for colorectal lesions.ESGE recommends that, after an endoscopically complete resection, if there is a positive horizontal margin or if resection is piecemeal, but there is no submucosal invasion and no other high risk criteria are met, this should be considered a local-risk resection and endoscopic surveillance or re-treatment is recommended rather than surgery or other additional treatment.ESGE recommends that when there is a diagnosis of lymphovascular invasion, or deeper infiltration than sm1, or positive vertical margins, or undifferentiated tumor, or, for colorectal lesions, budding grade 2 or 3, this should be considered a high risk (noncurative) resection, and complete staging and strong consideration for additional treatments should be considered on an individual basis in a multidisciplinary discussion.ESGE recommends scheduled endoscopic surveillance with high definition white-light and chromoendoscopy (virtual or dye-based) with biopsies of only the suspicious areas after a curative ESD.

Gastritis, Gastric Polyps and Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is still an important disease causing many deaths worldwide, although there has been a marked reduction in prevalence during the last few decades. The decline in gastric cancer prevalence is due to a reduction in Helicobacter pylori infection which has occurred for at least 50 years. The most probable mechanism for the carcinogenic effect of H. pylori is hypergastrinemia since H. pylori infected individuals do not have increased risk of gastric cancer before the development of oxyntic atrophy. When atrophy has developed, the carcinogenic process continues independent of H. pylori. Autoimmune gastritis also induces oxyntic atrophy leading to marked hypergastrinemia and development of ECL cell neoplasia as well as adenocarcinoma. Similarly, long-term treatment with efficient inhibitors of acid secretion like the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) predisposes to ECL cell neoplasia of a different degree of malignancy. Contrasting the colon where most cancers develop from polyps, most polyps in the stomach have a low malignant potential. Nevertheless, gastric polyps may also give rise to cancer and have some risk factors and mechanisms in common with gastric cancer. In this overview the most common gastric polyps, i.e., hyperplastic polyps, adenomatous polyps and fundic gland polyps will be discussed with respect to etiology and particularly use of PPIs and relation to gastric carcinogenesis.

Characteristics and Early Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer Discovered after Helicobacter pylori Eradication

The prevalence of gastric cancer after eradication (GCAE) is increasing dramatically in Japan. GCAE has characteristic features, and we must understand these features in endoscopic examinations. Differentiated cancer types were frequently found after eradication and included characteristic endoscopic features such as reddish depression (RD). However, benign RD can be difficult to distinguish from gastric cancer because of histological alterations in the surface structures (nonneoplastic epithelium or epithelium with low-grade atypia [ELA]) as well as multiple appearances of RD. Recently, we clarified similar alterations in genetic mutations between ELA and gastric cancer, suggesting that ELA is derived from gastric cancer. Clinically, submucosal invasive cancer was frequently found in patients after eradication therapy even if they received annual endoscopic surveillance. We can improve the diagnostic ability using image-enhanced endoscopy with magnified observation.

Kyoto classification in patients who developed multiple gastric carcinomas after Helicobacter pylori eradication

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic Kyoto classification predicts gastric cancer risk; however, the score in the patients with primary gastric cancer after Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy is unknown.

AIM

To elucidate the Kyoto classification score in patients with both single gastric cancer and multiple gastric cancers developed after H. pylori eradication.

METHODS

The endoscopist recorded the Kyoto classification at the endoscope and the Kyoto classification score at the time of the first diagnosis of gastric cancer after H. pylori eradication. The score was compared between single gastric cancer group and multiple gastric cancers group.

RESULTS

The Kyoto score at the time of diagnosis of 45 cases of gastric cancer after H. pylori eradication was 4.0 points in average. The score was 3.8 points in the single gastric cancer group, and 5.1 points in the multiple gastric cancers group. The multiple group had a significantly higher score than the single group (P = 0.016). In the multiple gastric cancers group, all the patients (7/7) had 5 or higher Kyoto score, while in single gastric cancer group, the proportion of patients with a score of 5 or higher was less than half, or 44.7% (17/38).

CONCLUSION

Patients diagnosed with gastric cancer after H. pylori eradication tended to have advanced gastritis. In particular, in cases of multiple gastric cancers developed after H. pylori eradication, the endoscopic Kyoto classification score tended to be 5 or higher in patients with an open type atrophic gastritis and the intestinal metaplasia extended to the corpus.

Impact of the timing of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the risk of development of metachronous lesions after treatment of early gastric cancer: a population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Helicobacter pylori eradication can reduce the risk of metachronous lesions after the treatment of early gastric cancer. We aimed to analyze the impact of the timing of H pylori eradication on metachronous recurrence.

METHODS

Data of patients who underwent endoscopic resection or partial gastrectomy for early stage gastric cancer and received H pylori eradication therapy were obtained from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to the timing of the prescription for H pylori eradication: preresection; within 1 year postresection; and >1 year postresection.

RESULTS

Among 19,767 patients, 7452 and 12,315 underwent endoscopic resection and surgery, respectively. The 5-year cumulative incidence of metachronous lesions after endoscopic resection was 14.0% in the preresection group, 12.3% in the within 1 year postresection group, and 16.9% in the >1 year postresection group. Surgery was performed in 1.2% of the preresection group, 1.3% of the within 1 year postresection group, and 2.9% of the >1 year postresection group. The within 1 year postresection group had a lower risk of development of metachronous lesions than the >1 year postresection group (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: after endoscopic resection, 0.79 [0.65-0.95]; after surgery, 0.39 [0.28-0.53]). The risk of development of metachronous lesions did not differ between the preresection and within 1 year postresection groups.

CONCLUSION

Prescription of H pylori eradication therapy within 1 year after gastric cancer treatment reduces the risk of development of metachronous gastric neoplasms compared with a late prescription of eradication therapy in patients undergoing endoscopic resection and those undergoing surgery.

Previous Helicobacter pylori infection-induced atrophic gastritis: A distinct disease entity in an understudied population without a history of eradication

Individuals with chronic atrophic gastritis who are negative for active H. pylori infection with no history of eradication therapy have been identified in clinical practice. By excluding false-negative and autoimmune gastritis cases, it can be surmised that most of these patients have experienced unintentional eradication of H. pylori after antibiotic treatment for other infectious disease, unreported successful eradication, or H. pylori that spontaneously disappeared. These patients are considered to have previous H. pylori infection-induced atrophic gastritis. In this work, we define these cases based on the following criteria: absence of previous H. pylori eradication; atrophic changes on endoscopy or histologic confirmation of glandular atrophy; negative for a current H. pylori infection diagnosed in the absence of proton-pump inhibitors or antibiotics; and absence of localized corpus atrophy, positivity for autoantibodies, or characteristic histologic findings suggestive of autoimmune gastritis. The risk of developing gastric cancer depends on the atrophic grade. The reported rate of developing gastric cancer is 0.31%-0.62% per year for successfully eradicated severely atrophic cases (pathophysiologically equal to unintentionally eradicated cases and unreported eradicated cases), and 0.53%-0.87% per year for spontaneously resolved cases due to severe atrophy. Therefore, for previous H. pylori infection-induced atrophic gastritis cases, we recommend endoscopic surveillance every 3 years for high-risk patients, including those with endoscopically severe atrophy or intestinal metaplasia. Because of the difficulty involved in the endoscopic diagnosis of gastric cancer in cases of previous infection, appropriate monitoring of the high-risk subgroup of this understudied population is especially important.

Development of a novel gene signature in patients without Helicobacter pylori infection gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most fatal common cancers in worldwide. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is closely related to the development of GC, although the mechanism is still unclear. In our study, we aim to develop a robust messenger RNA (mRNA) signature associated with H. pylori (-) GC that can sensitively and efficiently predict the prognostic. The RNA-seq expression profile and corresponding clinical data of 598 gastric cancer samples and 63 normal samples obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus database. Using gene set enrichment analysis H. pylori (+) GC and H. pylori (-) GC patients and normal samples to select certain genes for further analysis. Using univariate and multivariate Cox regression model to establish a gene signature for predicting the overall survival (OS). Finally, we identified G2/M related seven-mRNA signature (TGFB1, EGF, MKI67, ILF3, INCENP, TNPO2, and CHAF1A) closely related to the prognosis of patients with H. pylori (-) GC. The seven-mRNA signature was identified to act as an independent prognostic biomarker by stratified analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis. It was also validated on two test groups from TCGA and GSE15460 and shown that patients with high-risk scores based on the expression of the seven mRNAs had significantly shorter survival times compared to patients with low-risk scores (P < .0001). In this study, we developed a seven-mRNA signature related to G2/M checkpoint from H. pylori (-) GCs that as an independent biomarker potentially with a good performance in predicting OS and might be valuable for the clinical management for patients with GC.