Endoscopic screening for gastric cancer in Japan: Current status and future perspectives

Trends, patterns, and risk factors of esophageal cancer mortality in China, 2008-2021: A National Mortality Surveillance System data analysis

INTRODUCTION

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, China had the highest mortality burden of esophageal cancer (EC) globally in 2022.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to analyze the national and provincial trends, patterns, and risk factors of EC deaths in China.

METHODS

Data from the National Mortality Surveillance System were used to estimate national and provincial deaths, age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs), and years of life lost (YLL). An age-period-cohort-based Nordpred model was used to predict trends until 2030. Multilevel Poisson and logistic regression were conductedto assess factors influencing EC mortality and the place of death.

RESULTS

From 2008 to 2021, EC deaths and YLLs decreased from 227,677 to 167,529 and from 5.32 million to 3.50 million, respectively. Meanwhile, the ASMR and age-standardized YLL rate decreased from 24.34 to 11.01 per 100,000 and from 535.91 to 231.08 per 100,000, respectively. By 2030, EC deaths and ASMR are predicted to decline to 150,768 and 7.85 per 100,000, respectively. Nationwide, the average age at death increased from 68.46 to 72.45 years, with an increasing proportion of YLLs in the 65-69 age group. Overall premature mortality was observed to decrease, except for an increase in YLLs among urban populations aged ≥60 years. Higher burdens were observed in rural areas compared to urban areas and among males compared to females. Nationwide, individuals with agriculture-related occupations and lower educational levels exhibited significantly higher risks of EC death. Regions with higher prevalences of smoking and harmful drinking, and lower educational, economic, and medical levels were significantly associated with high mortality. Home was the leading place of EC deaths (80.02 %).

CONCLUSION

The EC mortality burden in China is decreasing but remains a significant threat to public health. Promoting education, occupational prevention, healthy lifestyles, and medical treatment for targeted populations and regions is essential.

Lifetime probabilities of developing and dying from cancer in China: comparison with Japan and the United States in 2022

The numbers of new cancer cases and deaths in China were the largest in the world, causing a huge social and economic burden. We attempt to use more intuitive indicators to measure the probabilities of being diagnosed of or dying from cancer in China and compare these probabilities with those in Japan and the United States (US). We obtained the cancer data from GLOBOCAN 2022 for China, Japan, and the US and the all-cause mortality and population data from the United Nations. The lifetime risks of developing and dying from cancer were estimated with adjusted actual life expectancy, multiple primaries, and death-competing risks from causes other than cancers. Approximately 27.61% of Chinese people developed cancer and 1 in 5 persons were likely to die from cancer. The highest-risk cancer among men and women was lung cancer in China, but in the US and Japan, prostate cancer among men and breast cancer among women posed the highest risk. Lung cancer presented the highest likelihood of death, but women in Japan had the highest likelihood of dying from colorectal cancer. China had a lower lifetime risk of developing cancer compared with Japan and the US, but a higher probability of dying from cancer than the US. Although the probability of developing cancer was not as high as that in Japan and the US, China was still faced with enormous pressure due to its huge population and contradictory cancer patterns. Estimating lifetime risks can provide essential information to formulate appropriate cancer prevention and control plans.

Precision risk stratification of primary gastric cancer after eradication of H. pylori by a DNA methylation marker: a multicentre prospective study

BACKGROUND

Precision cancer risk stratification for gastric cancer is urgently needed for the growing number of healthy people after Helicobacter pylori eradication. The epimutation burden in non-malignant tissues has been associated with cancer risk in multiple cross-sectional studies.

OBJECTIVE

To confirm the clinical usefulness of a DNA methylation marker for epimutation burden, and to identify a cut-off methylation level for a super-high-risk population.

DESIGN

Healthy people after H. pylori eradication with open-type atrophy were prospectively recruited. DNA methylation levels of a marker gene, RIMS1, were measured in biopsy specimens from gastric antrum and body. The primary endpoint was the incidence rate of gastric cancer in quartiles of the methylation levels.

RESULTS

1624 participants had at least one endoscopic follow-up with a median follow-up of 4.05 years, and a primary gastric cancer developed in 27 participants. The highest quartile of RIMS1 methylation levels had a higher incidence rate (972.8 per 100 000 person-years) than the lowest quartile (127.1). Cox regression analysis revealed a univariate HR of 7.7 (95% CI 1.8-33.7) and an age- and sex-adjusted HR of 5.7 (95% CI 1.3-25.5). As a secondary objective, a cut-off methylation level of 25.7% (95% CI 1.7-7.7) was obtained to identify a population with a super-high risk based on the number needed to screen of 1000.

CONCLUSION

A DNA methylation marker can risk-stratify healthy people after H. pylori eradication even though all of them have clinically high risk. Individuals with super-high risk will need more frequent gastric cancer screening than currently recommended.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN-CTR000016894.

Metachronous gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinoma in a patient with colon adenocarcinoma

A woman in her 70s, who previously declined colon cancer screening, was diagnosed with colon adenocarcinoma after she presented with melena and anaemia. After she underwent right hemicolectomy and chemotherapy for stage IIIc colon cancer, approximately 1 year later, she was found to have hepatic metastasis and a gastro-oesophageal mass confirmed as gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinoma. This case report sheds light on the challenge that patients and clinicians face in cases of metachronous cancers developing in colorectal cancer survivors, and it raises the consideration for possible improvement of the screening guidelines to help detect metachronous cancers earlier in high-risk patients, hence potentially improving the long-term outcomes for these patients.

Methylated Reprimo Cell-Free DNA as a Non-Invasive Biomarker for Gastric Cancer

Restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly reversed the slow decline of the diagnosis and mortality rates of gastric cancer (GC). This scenario highlights the importance of developing cost-effective methods for mass screening and evaluation of treatment response. In this study, we evaluated a non-invasive method based on the circulating methylated cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of Reprimo (RPRM), a tumor suppressor gene associated with the development of GC. Methylated RPRM cfDNA was analyzed in three de-identified cohorts: Cohort 1 comprised 81 participants with GC and 137 healthy donors (HDs); Cohort 2 comprised 27 participants with GC undergoing gastrectomy and/or chemotherapy analyzed at the beginning and after three months of treatment; and Cohort 3 comprised 1105 population-based participants in a secondary prevention program who underwent esophagogastroduodenal (EGD) endoscopy. This cohort includes 180 normal participants, 845 participants with premalignant conditions (692 with chronic atrophic gastritis [AG] and 153 with gastric intestinal metaplasia/low-grade dysplasia [GIM/LGD]), 21 with high-grade dysplasia/early GC [HGD/eGC], and 59 with advanced GC [aGC]). A nested case-control substudy was performed using a combination of methylated RPRM cfDNA and pepsinogens (PG)-I/II ratio. The dense CpG island of the promoter region of the RPRM gene was bisulfite sequenced and analyzed to develop a fluorescence-based real-time PCR assay (MethyLight). This assay allows the determination of the absolute number of copies of methylated RPRM cfDNA. A targeted sequence of PCR amplicon products confirmed the gastric origin of the plasma-isolated samples. In Cohort 1, the mean value of GCs (32,240.00 copies/mL) was higher than that of the HD controls (139.00 copies/mL) (p < 0.0001). After dividing this cohort into training-validation subcohorts, we identified an area under the curve of 0.764 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.683-0.845) in the training group. This resulted in a cut-off value of 87.37 copies/mL (sensitivity 70.0% and specificity 80.2%). The validation subcohort predicted a sensitivity of 66.67% and a specificity of 83.33%. In Cohort 2 (monitoring treatment response), RPRM levels significantly decreased in responders (p = 0.0042) compared to non-responders. In Cohort 3 (population-based participants), 18.9% %, 24.1%, 30.7%, 47.0%, and 71.2% of normal, AG, GIM/LGD, HGD/eGC, and aGC participants tested positive for methylated RPRM cfDNA, respectively. Overall sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing normal/premalignant conditions vs. GC were 65.0% (95% CI 53.52% to 75.33%) and 75.9% (95% CI 73.16% to 78.49%), respectively, with an accuracy of 75.11% (95% CI 72.45% to 77.64%). Logistic regression analyses revealed an OR of 1.85 (95% CI 1.11-3.07, p = 0.02) and an odds ratio (OR) of 3.9 (95% CI 1.53-9.93, p = 0.004) for the risk of developing GIM/LGD and HGD/eGC, respectively. The combined methylated RPRM cfDNA and PG-I/II ratio reached a sensitivity of 78.9% (95% CI 54.43% to 93.95%) and specificity of 63.04% (95% CI 52.34% to 72.88%) for detecting HGD/eGC vs. three to six age- and sex-matched participants with premalignant conditions. Our results demonstrate that methylated RPRM cfDNA should be considered a direct biomarker for the non-invasive detection of GC and a predictive biomarker for treatment response.

Exploration of the optimal regimen of gastric mucosal cleansing medication for the H. pylori population before ME-NBI screening: study protocol for a single-center, single-blind, randomized controlled trial

Objective

Magnifying endoscopy combined with narrow-band imaging endoscopy is an emerging method for early gastric cancer screening and diagnosis However, its effectiveness is closely related to the cleaning quality of the gastric mucosal preparation. H. pylori infection is a major risk factor for inadequate gastric mucosa cleaning quality preparation. Multiple medications are useful in helping patients with gastric mucosal cleansing preparations. This randomized controlled trial study protocol aims to investigate the effect of different combinations of medications on the quality of gastric mucosal cleansing in an H. pylori-infected population.

Methods

This study is a prospective, randomized, single-blind, single-center trial. The subjects are patients who require magnifying endoscopy combined with narrow-band imaging and have evidence of H. pylori infection (a non-invasive diagnostic 13C urea breath test was used to examine the study subjects). These patients will be randomly assigned to the control group (Group A) and the experimental groups (Groups B, C, D, E, and F). Each group will consist of 44 patients, with a total of 264 patients expected to be enrolled. The core content of the drug preparation regimen for each group is as follows: Group A (control group) will take 10 ml of simethicone before the examination; Group B (experimental group) will take 20,000 units of pronase before the examination; Group C (experimental group) will take 600 mg of N-acetylcysteine before the examination; Group D (experimental group) will take 10 ml of simethicone +20,000 units of pronase before the examination; Group E (experimental group) will take 10 ml of simethicone + 600 mg of N-acetylcysteine before the examination; Group F (experimental group) will take 10 ml of simethicone + 20,000 units of pronase + 1 g of sodium bicarbonate before the examination. All group medications will be dissolved in 50 ml of warm water at 20-40°C. All patients will fast for ≥6 h and abstain from drinking for 2 h before the examination. The primary endpoint is the gastric mucosa cleanliness score. Secondary endpoints include the early detection rate of gastric cancer, polyp detection rate, adenoma detection rate, procedure time, number of irrigations, patient medication compliance, preoperative anxiety, incidence of adverse reactions, overall patient satisfaction, and willingness to undergo the examination again.

Implications

The results of this research project are aimed at improving the quality of gastric mucosal cleansing preparations in the H. pylori population to meet the demand for early diagnosis and treatment prevention screening for early gastric cancer screening. The implementation of the results of the study and their inclusion in the guidelines may reduce economic expenditures by reflecting a reduced need for social and health care services.

Clinical Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR). Number of identification: (ChiCTR2400087510).

Helicobacter pylori-related serum indicators: Cutting-edge advances to enhance the efficacy of gastric cancer screening

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection induces pathological changes via chronic inflammation and virulence factors, thereby increasing the risk of gastric cancer development. Compared with invasive examination methods, H. pylori-related serum indicators are cost-effective and valuable for the early detection of gastric cancer (GC); however, large-scale clinical validation and sufficient understanding of the specific molecular mechanisms involved are lacking. Therefore, a comprehensive review and analysis of recent advances in this field is necessary. In this review, we systematically analyze the relationship between H. pylori and GC and discuss the application of new molecular biomarkers in GC screening. We also summarize the screening potential and application of anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G and virulence factor-related serum antibodies for identifying GC risk. These indicators provide early warning of infection and enhance screening accuracy. Additionally, we discuss the potential combination of multiple screening indicators for the comprehensive analysis and development of emerging testing methods to improve the accuracy and efficiency of GC screening. Although this review may lack sufficient evidence due to limitations in existing studies, including small sample sizes, regional variations, and inconsistent testing methods, it contributes to advancing personalized precision medicine in high-risk populations and developing GC screening strategies.

Trends in gastric cancer burden in the Western Pacific region from 1990 to 2021 and projections to 2040

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is a major public health concern, particularly in the Western Pacific, a high-incidence region that bears significant economic and social burdens.

Methods

Based on data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of trends in the burden of GC in the Western Pacific from 1990 to 2021. We compared these trends with global and World Health Organization regional patterns, with a particular focus on geographic, gender, and age disparities. Health inequality was analyzed by comparing countries with different Socio-demographic Index (SDI) levels. Future trends in age-standardized rates were projected using the Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model.

Results

The GC burden of Western Pacific region remains above the global average, but improvements have outpaced global trends. China carries the highest burden, accounting for over half of regional cases, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years. While South Korea and Japan also experience high burdens, they have achieved notable reductions. Males consistently face higher burdens across age groups. Health inequality analysis shows narrowing gaps between high- and low-SDI countries, with the burden shifting toward less developed nations. BAPC model projections indicate a further decline in the GC burden by 2040.

Conclusion

Despite substantial progress in countries like Japan and South Korea, continued focus is needed on less developed regions to reduce the remaining GC burden in the future.

Frequent Gastrointestinal Cancer Complications in Japanese Patients with Acute or Chronic Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background/Objective: Gastrointestinal bleeding is a major complication of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Malignancy may be detected due to gastrointestinal bleeding, necessitating critical decisions regarding treatment selection and influencing patient prognosis. Methods: This single-center, retrospective, observational study included 501 Japanese patients who underwent initial PCI between January 2019 and January 2023. Of these patients, 393 who underwent perioperative upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy were evaluated for the presence of gastrointestinal malignancy. Results: Of the total patients, 36% presented with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Gastrointestinal malignancies were identified in 30 patients (8%), including 18 cases of colorectal cancer and eight cases of gastric cancer. No difference in the frequency of malignancies was observed between patients with ACS and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) (p = 0.7398). Malignancies were significantly more common in patients with positive fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) (p < 0.0001); however, FIT did not detect all malignancies. The 1500-day survival rate for patients with gastrointestinal malignancies was 64%, with no difference in overall survival between treatment modalities. Conclusions: A considerable proportion of Japanese patients undergoing PCI had gastrointestinal malignancies, regardless of whether they had ACS or CCS, and their prognosis was poor. Gastrointestinal endoscopic evaluation in the perioperative period of PCI could detect malignancy without complications and might lead to appropriate cancer treatment.

Epidemiology and socioeconomic correlates of gastric cancer in Asia: results from the GLOBOCAN 2020 data and projections from 2020 to 2040

Gastric cancer represents a major public health burden globally, with a disproportionately high incidence and mortality observed in Asian countries. To analyze the epidemiology of gastric cancer across Asia using data from the GLOBOCAN 2020 database and explore the potential correlations with socioeconomic indicators. The study reported numbers of cases, 5-year prevalence, crude and age-standardized rates of incidence (ASIR) and mortality (ASMR), mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR), and cumulative risk percentages. Asia had the highest ASIR and ASMR of gastric cancer in the world in 2020, with 14.30 and 10.00 per 100,000 population, respectively. The ASIRs were 20.40 and 8.70 in Asian males and females, respectively. The ASMRs were also 14.20 and 6.20 in males and females, respectively. The incidence and mortality rates increased with age and peaked in the > 70-year age group. There was a moderate inverse correlation between MIR and human development index (HDI). The incident cases of gastric cancer and its mortality numbers in Asia are estimated to increase by 72.20% and 75.90% by 2040, respectively. Gastric cancer burden varies across Asia, with high incidence and mortality rates in Eastern Asia. Lower MIRs in socioeconomically developed nations suggest the impact of early detection and treatment access to improve patients' outcomes.

Estimating the Amount of Air Inside the Stomach for Detecting Cancers on Gastric Radiographs Using Artificial Intelligence: an Observational, Cross-sectional Study

Gastric radiography is an important tool for early detection of cancer. During gastric radiography, the stomach is monitored using barium and effervescent granules. However, stomach compression and physiological phenomena during the examination can cause air to escape the stomach. When the stomach contracts, physicians cannot accurately observe its condition, which may result in missed lesions. Notably, no research using artificial intelligence (AI) has explored the use of gastric radiography to estimate the amount of air in the stomach. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an AI system to estimate the amount of air inside the stomach using gastric radiographs. In this observational, cross-sectional study, we collected data from 300 cases who underwent medical screening and estimated the images with poor stomach air volume. We used pre-trained models of vision transformer (ViT) and convolutional neural network (CNN). Instead of retraining, dimensionality reduction was performed on the output features using principal component analysis, and LightGBM performed discriminative processing. The combination of ViT and CNN resulted in the highest accuracy (F-value 0.792, accuracy 0.943, sensitivity 0.738, specificity 0.978). High accuracy was maintained in the prone position, where air inside the stomach could be easily released. Combining ViT and CNN from gastric radiographs accurately identified cases of poor stomach air volume. The system was highly accurate in the prone position and proved clinically useful. The developed AI can be used to provide high-quality images to physicians and to prevent missed lesions.

Gastric Microbiota Associated with Gastric Precancerous Lesions in Helicobacter pylori-Negative Patients

Studies on the gastric microbiota associated with gastric precancerous lesions remain limited. This study aimed to profile the gastric mucosal microbiota in patients with Helicobacter pylori-negative precancerous lesions. Gastric mucosal samples were obtained from 67 H. pylori-negative patients, including those with chronic gastritis (CG), intestinal metaplasia (IM), and dysplasia. The V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced and analyzed. No significant difference was observed in the alpha or beta diversity of the gastric microbiota among the groups. However, a taxonomic analysis revealed a significant enrichment of Lautropia mirabilis and the depletion of Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Solobacxterium moorei, Haemophilus haemolyticus, and Duncaniella dubosii in the IM and dysplasia groups compared to those in the CG group. Prevotella jejuni and the genus Parvimonas were enriched in the IM group. A predictive functional analysis revealed enrichment of the ornithine degradation pathway in the IM and dysplasia groups, suggesting its role in persistent gastric mucosal inflammation associated with gastric precancerous lesions. The gastric microbiota associated with H. pylori-negative gastric precancerous lesions showed an increased abundance of oral microbes linked to gastric cancer and a reduction in anti-inflammatory bacteria. These alterations might contribute to chronic gastric mucosal inflammation, promoting carcinogenesis in the absence of H. pylori infection.

Can patients with mild non-neoplastic lesions diagnosed at baseline screening be safely exempt from surveillance: evidence from multicenter community-based cohorts

Surveillance recommendations for gastric cancer (GC) in current guidelines focused on advanced precancerous lesions and were based on precise diagnosis of severity/extent of baseline lesions. We aimed to develop a less endoscopy-related equipment-dependent risk-stratification tool, and assessed whether mild-precursor-lesion patients can be safely exempt from surveillance. In the multicenter community-based cohort, 75,051 participants receiving baseline endoscopy were enrolled during 2015-2017 and followed-up until 2021. Cumulative incidence rates (CIRs) of GC for precancerous-conditions were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared by Log-rank tests. Mixed-effects Cox regression models were used to detect potential factors for progression towards GC. A risk score was calculated as counts of selected factors. An independent cohort, including 26,586 participants was used for external validation. During a median follow-up of 6.25 years, CIRs of GC were 0.302%, 0.436%, and 4.756% for normal group, non-neoplastic (atrophic gastritis/intestinal metaplasia) and neoplastic lesions (low-grade/high-grade dysplasia), respectively (Ptrend<0.001). Four predictors, including male, ⩾60 years, smoking, and limited vegetable consumption, were selected for risk-stratification. High-risk patients (⩾3 risk factors) with non-neoplastic lesions showed higher GC risks (adjusted HR=7.73, 95%CI: 4.29-13.92), and their four-year CIR reached the one-year CIR of neoplastic lesions. Further categorizing non-neoplastic lesions by histological grade, both patients with moderate-to-severe lesions (aHR=3.07, 95%CI: 1.67-5.64) and high-risk patients with mild lesions (aHR=7.29, 95%CI: 3.58-14.86) showed higher risks. Consistent trends were observed in validation cohort. High-risk mild-precursor-lesion patients should receive surveillance within 3-5 years after baseline screening. Our study provides evidence on supplementing current guideline recommendations.

Trends in Cancer-Screening Rates in Korea: Findings from the National Cancer Screening Survey, 2004-2023

PURPOSE

This study aimed to report the overall national trends in the rates of cancer screening based on recommendations and provide insights into the changing trends of these rates across different demographics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study used data from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), which surveys nationwide cancer-screening rates and includes 4,500 individuals meeting the Korean National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) protocol age criteria. Cancer-screening rates were assessed using structured questionnaires; yearly trends were analyzed for both lifetime cancer-screening rates and rates of screening based on recommendations, and subgroup analyses were performed based on age and sex.

RESULTS

The rates of cancer screening based on recommendations showed significant increments: the stomach cancer-screening rate increased from 39.2% in 2004 to 77.5% in 2023 (3.50% per year), the liver cancer-screening rate increased from 20.0% to 48.8% (4.30% per year), and the colorectal cancer, increased from 19.9% to 70.7% (5.15% per year). The breast cancer-screening rate increased from 33.2% to 72.7% (2.88% per year), and the cervical cancer, increased from 58.3% to 70.2% (1.08% per year). Despite some differences, particularly in relation to sociodemographic factors, screening rates increased significantly for all cancer types.

CONCLUSION

Cancer-screening rates in Korea increased consistently from 2004 to 2023, demonstrating the effectiveness of the national cancer-screening program. However, the increments in breast, cervical and lung cancer-screening rates were relatively lower, indicating the need for additional efforts and strategies.

Identification and validation of serum MUC17 as a non-invasive early warning biomarker for screening of gastric intraepithelial neoplasia

BACKGROUND

The early diagnosis and treatment of Gastric Intraepithelial Neoplasia (GIN) are pivotal for improving the survival rates of patients with gastric cancer (GC). Regrettably, reliable noninvasive biomarkers for GIN screening are currently lacking.

METHODS

mRNA data from the GEO database, pan-cancer data from the TCGA database, and a gene list of exocrine proteins were subjected to integrated analysis to identify a noninvasive biomarker for GIN. The scRNA-seq data analysis, IHC and Elisa were employed to validate the expression of the biomarker in the serum and tissues of clinical patients across different pathological stages.

RESULTS

MUC17 has been identified as a non-invasive diagnostic marker for GIN. It is upregulated in GIN prior to the onset of gastric carcinogenesis and downregulated in other tumors, with high GC specificity. The area under the curve values of serum MUC17 for differentiating chronic gastritis (CG) from low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN), and early gastric cancer (EGC) were 0.8788, 0.8544, and 0.9513, respectively. Additionally, low plasma MUC17 levels were found to be significantly lower in gastric ulcer (GU), gastric neuroendocrine tumor (GNET), and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) compared to GIN. The AUC for differentiating between GIN and GU, GNET, or GIST was 0.7803, 0.9244 and 0.9796, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that plasma MUC17 levels hold substantial promise as a screening biomarker for individuals with GIN and EGC, effectively identifying high-risk groups that necessitate further gastroscopy.

Value of serum pepsinogen ratio screening for early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions in Youcheng area

BACKGROUND

The 5-year survival rate of patients with advanced gastric cancer remains extremely low (< 15%), whereas the 5-year survival rate of patients with early gastric cancer (EGC) is > 90%. Consequently, strengthening the screening of patients with EGC and precancerous lesions (PCLs) is essential.

AIM

To identify the value of serum pepsinogen ratio (PGR) screening for EGC and PCLs in the Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital.

METHODS

We first selected 385 patients with gastric lesions in the Youcheng area, determining benign lesions, PCLs, and EGC in 135, 123, and 127 cases, respectively, based on endoscopy and case diagnosis. The positive rates of pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the three groups were detected, and the PGR was calculated. Subsequently, we plotted receiver operating characteristic curves to analyze the screening value of PGR and H. pylori-positive rates for PCLs and EGC.

RESULTS

PGR expression demonstrated a decreasing trend in patients with benign lesions, PCLs, and EGC successively according to the detection results, whereas the H. pylori-positive rate was notably increased in patients with PCLs and EGC compared to those with benign lesions. The area under the curves (AUCs) of PGR, H. pylori, and their combination in differentiating patients with benign lesions from those with PCLs were 0.611, 0.582, and 0.689, respectively; PGR, H. pylori, and their combination had an AUC of 0.618, 0.502, and 0.618 in distinguishing PCL patients from EGC patients, respectively; the AUCs of PGR, H. pylori, and their combination in discriminating patients with benign lesions from those with EGC were 0.708, 0.581, and 0.750, respectively.

CONCLUSION

PGR has great screening potential for patients with EGC and PCLs in the Youcheng area, and the screening efficiency is further improved by combining the H. pylori-positive rate.

Global, regional, and national trends in gastric cancer burden: 1990-2021 and projections to 2040

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignancy of the digestive system, with significant geographical variation in its disease burden.

Methods

This study used data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021 to analyze three key indicators: incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Initially, a detailed analysis of the GC burden was conducted from global, regional, national, gender, and age perspectives. Subsequently, the percentage change and average annual percent change (AAPC) of GC were calculated to understand the trends in disease burden. Decomposition analysis and frontier analysis were then performed. Finally, the Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the trends in age-standardized rates (ASRs) of GC up to 2040.

Results

In 2021, there were 1.23 million (95% UI: 1.05-1.41 million) new cases of GC globally, with 0.95 million (95% UI: 0.82-1.10million) deaths and 22.79 million (95% UI: 19.58-26.12 million) DALYs. Compared to 1990, the global ASRs of GC has declined, but new cases and deaths have increased. For females, age-standardized incidence rate, age-standardized mortality rate, and age-standardized DALYs rate were 8.6, 7.1, and 165.6 per 100,000, with AAPCs of -2.1, -2.4, and -2.6. For males, they were 20.9, 16.0, and 371.2 per 100,000, with AAPCs of -1.6, -2.1, and -2.3. ASRs fluctuated with increasing Socio-demographic Index (SDI), being higher in middle and high-middle SDI regions. Decomposition analysis indicated negative effects from epidemiological trends on GC burden, while population growth and aging had positive effects. Frontier analysis showed that middle and high-middle SDI regions had more potential for reducing ASRs. Predictions indicate a continued decline in ASRs for both genders by 2040.

Conclusion

Despite progress in controlling GC, the number of new cases and deaths globally is rising due to population growth and aging. This highlights the need for effective prevention and control strategies.

Personalized starting age of gastric cancer screening based on individuals' risk profiles: a population-based, prospective study

BACKGROUND

The current recommended starting age for gastric cancer screening lacks unified guideline and individualized criteria. We aimed to determine the risk-stratified starting age for gastric cancer screening in China based on individuals' risk profiles and to develop an online calculator for clinical application.

METHODS

In this multicenter, population-based, prospective study, we allocated participants enrolled between 2015 and 2017 (N = 59 771, aged 40-69 years) to screened and unscreened groups and observed them for primary endpoints: gastric cancer occurrence as well as all-cause and gastric cancer-specific death. Median follow-up was 6.07 years. To determine the reference starting age, the effectiveness of gastric cancer screening was assessed by age group after propensity score matching. Further, we categorized the calculated individual risk scores (using well-established risk factors) by quantile. Subsequently, we used age-specific, 10-year cumulative risk curves to estimate the risk-stratified starting age-that is, when the individual's risk level matches the reference starting age risk threshold.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 475 gastric cancer case patients, 182 gastric cancer-related deaths, and 1860 all-cause deaths occurred. All-cause and gastric cancer-specific mortality decreased among screened individuals 45 years of age and older and 50 to 59 years of age, respectively. Thus, the average population (referent) starting age was set as 50 years. The 10-year cumulative risk of gastric cancer in the average population aged 50 years was 1.147%. We stratified the starting age using 8 risk factors and categorized participants as low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk individuals whose risk-stratified starting age was 58, 50, and 46 years, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Although high-risk individuals warrant starting gastric cancer screening 3 to 5 years earlier than for the average population (aged 50 years), low-risk individuals can tolerate delayed screening. Our online, personalized starting age calculator will help with risk-adapted gastric cancer screening (https://web.consultech.com.cn/gastric/#/).

Cost-effective endoscopic screening for gastric cancer in a cohort with low Helicobacter pylori prevalence

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Periodic endoscopic screening for gastric cancer (GC) is widely performed in East Asia; however, the optimal screening strategy remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the most cost-effective endoscopic screening strategy for the detection and treatment of GC in a cohort with a low Helicobacter pylori prevalence.

METHODS

The following data were retrospectively extracted from participants who received screening endoscopy between April 2019 and March 2023: age, H. pylori infection status, presence of intestinal metaplasia, pathological diagnosis of GC, and the interval between the most recent endoscopies. A Markov state transition model was constructed based on the cohort data. The cost-effectiveness of 15 strategies with different starting ages (40/50/60 years) and screening intervals (1/2/3/4/5 years) was compared. The net monetary benefit (NMB) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of quality-adjusted life-years gained by treatment were used as outcomes.

RESULTS

A simulation model was constructed based on the cohort data of 94 137 participants (mean age 54.5 years, males 57.9%; 74.4% H. pylori-naïve, 94.2% intestinal metaplasia-negative). The results of the base-case analysis showed that the screening strategy of 4-year intervals starting at the age of 40 years had the highest NMB (97 401 578 yen). In both the Monte Carlo simulation and one-way sensitivity analysis with a varying probability of H. pylori infection status transition, the ICER was superior in the screening strategy every 4 years, starting at age 40 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Our simulation showed that endoscopic screening at 4-year intervals starting at the age of 40 years was the most cost-effective method.

Public awareness of gastric cancer risk factors and screening behaviours in Shijiazhuang, China: A community-based survey

BACKGROUND

Reducing exposure to risk factors and screening represent 2 major approaches to gastric cancer (GC) prevention, but public knowledge GC risk factors and screening behaviour remain unknown. We aimed to investigate public awareness of GC risk factors, adherence to screening, and barriers hindering screening practices in China.

METHODS

This community-based household survey was conducted within Shijiazhuang, China, and 1490 residents were recruited through a multistage stratified cluster random sampling approach. A self-administered questionnaire was completed which consisted of three sections: demographics, awareness of GC risk factors, and personal screening behaviours. Factors associated with knowledge of risk factors and screening behaviours were evaluated using binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The mean risk factor awareness score of 12 (7, 15) revealed insufficient knowledge in 51.1% of participants. Dietary lifestyle factors were better understood than physical activity and weight-related factors. Marital status (OR 1.967; 95% CI 1.415 to 2.734), higher income (OR 1.197; 95% CI 1.010 to 1.418), and a history of upper gastrointestinal problems (OR 0.048; 95% CI 1.002 to 1.311) were associated with higher awareness. Merely 21.5% underwent GC screening, with higher rates linked to older age (OR 1.642; 95% CI 1.418 to 1.902), higher education (OR 1.398; 95% CI 1.176 to 1.662), a history of upper gastrointestinal problems (OR 3.842; 95% CI 2.833 to 5.209), and moderate (OR 2.077; 95% CI 1.352 to 3.191) and high (OR 2.529; 95% CI 1.311 to 4.878) perceived GC risk. Notably, participants commonly refused gastroscopy due to the absence of symptoms or signs.

CONCLUSIONS

In Shijiazhuang, more than half of participants demonstrated inadequate knowledge of GC risk factors, and screening participation rates were remarkably low. This emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to enhance GC awareness and significantly improve screening rates.

IGFL2 expression and surgical volume: Independent predictors of survival in gastric cancer

This study aimed to assess the impact of surgeons' annual volume and insulin-like growth factor-like family member 2 (IGFL2) expression on gastric cancer prognosis. Clinicopathological data from 475 patients who underwent D2 lymph node dissection were analyzed. IGFL2 expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Patients were divided into training (70%) and validation (30%) groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression identified risk factors for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), leading to a clinical prediction model. Model performance was evaluated using C-index. High IGFL2 expression and low surgical volume independently predicted poorer OS and DFS (hazard ratio = 2.13, 2.17, all P < .01). Surgeons performing >26 cases annually had higher OS and DFS (hazard ratio = 1.65, 1.58, all P < .01). Nomograms integrating surgical volume, IGFL2 expression, grade, TNM staging, and carcinoembryonic antigen showed superior predictive accuracy for OS and DFS compared to TNM alone, with robust C-indices and area under the curve values. Surgeons' annual volume and IGFL2 expression independently predict gastric cancer prognosis, emphasizing the need for specialized training and further research on IGFL2's molecular mechanisms to enhance patient outcomes.

Gastric cancer screening in Western countries: A call to action

Gastric cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide, despite the reduction in its incidence. The disease is still burdened with a poor prognosis, particularly in Western countries. The main risk factor is the infection by Helicobacter pylori, classified as a class I carcinogen by the IARC, and It is well-known that primary prevention of gastric cancer can be achieved with the eradication of the infection. Moreover, non-invasive measurement of pepsinogens (PGI and PGI/PGII ratio) allows the identification of patients that should undergo upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Gastric non-cardia adenocarcinoma is indeed preceded by a well-defined precancerous process that involves consecutive stages, described for the first time by Correa et al. more than 40 years ago, and patients with advance stages of gastric atrophy/intestinal metaplasia and with dysplastic changes should be followed-up periodically with upper GI endoscopies. Despite these effective screening and surveillance methods, national-level screening campaigns have been adopted only in few countries in eastern Asia (Japan and South Korea). In this review, we describe primary and secondary preventive measures for gastric cancer, discussing the need to introduce screening also in Western countries. Moreover, we propose a simple algorithm for screening that could be easily applied in clinical practice.

Cancer diagnosis based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy with bagging-voting fusion model

Advances in cancer diagnostics play a pivotal role in increasing early detection of cancer. Integrating laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with machine learning algorithms has attracted wide interest in cancer diagnosis. However, using a single model`s efficacy is limited by algorithm principles, making it challenging to meet the comprehensive needs of cancer diagnosis. Here, we demonstrate a bagging-voting fusion (BVF) algorithm for the detection and identification of multiple types of cancer. In the BVF model of this paper, support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), and random forest (RF) models, which have relatively small homogeneity to obtain more comprehensive decision boundaries, are fused at both the training and decision levels. LIBS spectral data was collected from four types of serum samples, including liver cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and healthy control. LIBS detection was conducted on the samples, which were directly dropped onto ordered microarray silicon substrates and dried. The results showed that the BVF model achieved an accuracy of 92.53 % and a recall of 92.92 % across the four types of serum, outperforming the best single machine-learning model (SVM: accuracy 75.86 %, recall 77.50 %). Moreover, the BVF model with manual line selection feature extraction required only 140 s for a single detection and identification. In conclusion, the aforementioned results demonstrated that LIBS with BVF has excellent performance in detecting a multitude of cancers, and is expected to provide a new method for efficient and accurate cancer diagnosis.

Risk factor analysis and establishment of a predictive model for complications of elderly advanced gastric cancer with Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ II grade

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of complications following radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Elderly patients are susceptible to postoperative complications. This study seeks to investigate the risk factors associated with Clavien-Dindo ≥IIgrade complications following radical gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer in elderly patients, develop a nomogram risk prediction model, and validate its accuracy.

METHODS

Retrospective collection of clinical and pathological data was conducted on 442 elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer who underwent radical gastrectomy at Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital from January 2015 to December 2020. They were randomly divided into a training set (n = 310) and a validation set (n = 132) in a 7:3 ratio. The severity of postoperative complications was graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification system, resulting in two complication groups: Clavien-Dindo

RESULTS

Among the 442 patients included in the study, 121 cases (27.38%) experienced postoperative complications, with 111 cases (25.11%) classified as Clavien-Dindo ≥II grade complications. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), surgical duration, age, and history of Diabetes mellitus were independent risk factors for the occurrence of Clavien-Dindo ≥IIgrade complications in elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer after surgery (P < 0.05). The nomogram model constructed based on these factors demonstrated good discriminative ability, as indicated by the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Calibration plots showed that the predicted probability of gastric cancer lymph node metastasis using the nomogram model was well aligned with actual outcomes. Decision curve analysis indicated the clinical utility of the nomogram model across a wide range of thresholds, demonstrating its practicality and potential for clinical benefit.

CONCLUSION

This study identified Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), surgical duration, age, and history of Diabetes mellitus as risk factors for the occurrence of Clavien-Dindo ≥ II grade complications in elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer after surgery. Based on these four risk factors, a nomogram risk prediction model was constructed. This model can be used to personalize the prediction of the risk of Clavien-Dindo ≥ II grade complications occurring after surgery in elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer.

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Key Words

• Advanced gastric cancer
• Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications
• Elderly
• Nomogram
• Risk factors

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MESH Headings

• Humans
• Stomach Neoplasms/surgery
• Stomach Neoplasms/pathology
• Aged
• Male
• Female
• Postoperative Complications/etiology
• Postoperative Complications/epidemiology
• Risk Factors
• Gastrectomy/adverse effects
• Retrospective Studies
• Nomograms
• Aged, 80 and over
• Prognosis
• Risk Assessment/methods
• Quality of Life

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Grants

• 2020GXLH-Y-019 Key Research and Development Projects of Shaanxi Province
• 2020GXLH-Y-019 Key Research and Development Projects of Shaanxi Province
• 2020GXLH-Y-019 Key Research and Development Projects of Shaanxi Province
• 2020GXLH-Y-019 Key Research and Development Projects of Shaanxi Province
• 2021TD-40 Innovation Capability Support Program of Shaanxi
• 2021TD-40 Innovation Capability Support Program of Shaanxi
• 2019GHJD-14 Innovation Capability Support Program of Shaanxi
• 2021TD-40 Innovation Capability Support Program of Shaanxi
• 2021LJ-05 Science and Technology Talent Support Program of Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital
• 2022KXJ-141 Technology Innovation Leading Program of Shaanxi
• 23ZDCYJSGG0037-2022 Science and Technology Program of Xi'an
• 23ZDCYJSGG0037-2022 Science and Technology Program of Xi'an
• Science and Technology Talent Support Program of Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital
• Science and Technology Program of Xi’an

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Affiliation(s)

Zhe-Kui Liu The Second Department of General Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, 256 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi, China Department of Graduate Studies, Xi'an Medicine University, Xi'an, 710021, China
Wen-Xing Ma The Second Department of General Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, 256 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi, China
Jun-Jie Zhang The Second Department of General Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, 256 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi, China Department of Graduate Studies, Xi'an Medicine University, Xi'an, 710021, China
Si-da Liu The Second Department of General Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, 256 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi, China
Xiang-Long Duan The Second Department of General Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, 256 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi, China. Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, China.
Ze-Zheng Wang The Second Department of General Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, 256 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi, China.

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Collaborators Collapse

Molecular evolution of intestinal-type early gastric cancer according to Correa cascade

Early screening is crucial for the prevention of intestinal-type gastric cancer. The objective of the current study was to ascertain molecular evolution of intestinal-type gastric cancer according to the Correa cascade for the precise gastric cancer screening. We collected sequential lesions of the Correa cascade in the formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded endoscopic submucosal dissection-resected specimens from 14 Chinese patients by microdissection, and subsequently determined the profiles of somatic aberrations during gastric carcinogenesis using the whole exome sequencing, identifying multiple variants at different Correa stages. The results showed that TP53, PCLO, and PRKDC were the most frequently mutated genes in the early gastric cancer (EGC). A high frequency of TP53 alterations was found in low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), which further increased in high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) and EGC. Intestinal metaplasia (IM) had no significant correlation with EGC in terms of mutational spectra, whereas both LGIN and HGIN showed higher genomic similarities to EGC, compared with IM. Based on Jaccard similarity coefficients, three evolutionary models were further constructed, and most patients showed linear progression from LGIN to HGIN, ultimately resulting in EGC. The ECM-receptor interaction pathway was revealed to be involved in the linear evolution. Additionally, the retrospective validation study of 39 patients diagnosed with LGIN indicated that PRKDC mutations, in addition to TP53 mutations, may drive LGIN progression to HGIN or EGC. In conclusion, the current study unveils the genomic evolution across the Correa cascade of intestinal-type gastric cancer, elucidates the underlying molecular mechanisms of gastric carcinogenesis, and provides some evidence for potential personalized gastric cancer surveillance.

Protocol for a national, multicentre study of post-endoscopy colorectal and upper gastrointestinal cancers: The POET study

AIM

The primary aim of the study is to define the post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC) three-year rate and the post-endoscopy upper gastrointestinal cancer (PEUGIC) three-year rate across public hospitals in Aotearoa New Zealand.

METHOD

This retrospective cohort study will be conducted via the trainee-led STRATA Collaborative network. All public hospitals in Aotearoa New Zealand will be eligible to participate. Data will be collected on all adult patients who are diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma within 6 to 48 months of a colonoscopy and all adult patients diagnosed with gastroesophageal cancer within 6 to 48 months of an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The study period will be from 2010 to 2022. The primary outcome is the PCCRC 3-year rate and the PEUGIC 3-year rate. Secondary aims are to define and characterize survival after PCCRC or PEUGIC, the cause of PCCRC as based on the World Endoscopy Organization System of Analysis definitions, trends over time, and centre level variation.

CONCLUSION

This protocol describes the methodology for a nationwide retrospective cohort study on PCCRC and PEUGIC in Aotearoa New Zealand. These data will lay the foundation for future studies and quality improvement initiatives.

A mathematical simulation model to determine the optimal endoscopic screening strategy for detection of H. pylori-naïve gastric neoplasms

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) screening in cohorts with low Helicobacter pylori prevalence is unknown. This study aimed to develop an optimally efficient EGD screening strategy for detecting H. pylori-naïve gastric neoplasms (HpNGNs).

METHODS

EGD data of 12 institutions from 2016 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Age-related HpNGN prevalence, tumor growth rate, missing rate, and detection threshold size were calculated from the databases. Subsequently, using clinical data, a novel mathematical model that simultaneously simulated demographic changes and HpNGN detection was developed. Screening strategies using different starting ages (40/45/50 years) and intervals (2/5/10 years) were also compared. The detection rates of all tumors occurring within the virtual cohort and number-needed-to-test (NNT) were measured as outcomes.

RESULTS

Data of 519,368 EGDs and 97 HpNGNs (34 pure signet ring cell carcinomas, 26 gastric adenocarcinomas of the fundic gland type, 30 foveolar gastric adenoma-Raspberry type, and seven undifferentiated-type cancer cases) were analyzed. A virtual cohort with a 70-year time horizon was used to simulate the occurrence, growth, and detection of 346,5836 people. Among the strategies with detection rate > 50%, the screening strategy with a 5-year interval starting at 45 years of age had the lowest NNT. Adopting this strategy, most HpNGNs were detected at < 20 mm in size, and the deep submucosal invasion rate was less than 30%.

CONCLUSIONS

A mathematical simulation model revealed that screening every 5 years starting at 45 years of age could efficiently assist in identifying HpNGNs at an early stage.

Current status and future trends of real-time imaging in gastric cancer surgery: A literature review

Technological advances are crucial for the optimization of gastric cancer surgery, and the success of any gastric cancer surgery is based on the correct and precise anatomical determination of the primary tumour and tissue structures. Real-time imaging-guided surgery is showing increasing potential and utility, mainly because it helps to aid intraoperative decision-making. However, intraoperative imaging faces many challenges in the field of gastric cancer. This article summarizes and discusses the following clinical applications of real-time optical imaging and fluorescence-guided surgery for gastric cancer: (1) the potential of quantitative fluorescence imaging in assessing tissue perfusion, (2) vascular navigation and determination of tumour margins, (3) the advantages and limitations of lymph node drainage assessment, and (4) identification of peritoneal metastases. In addition, preclinical study of tumour-targeted fluorescence imaging are discussed.

Emerging trends in early-onset gastric cancer

ABSTRACT

The incidence of early-onset gastric cancer (EOGC) is consistently increasing, and its etiology is notably complex. This increase may be attributed to distinctive factors that differ from those associated with late-onset gastric cancer (LOGC), including genetic predispositions, dietary factors, gastric microbiota dysbiosis, and screening of high-risk cases. These factors collectively contribute to the onset of cancer. EOGC significantly differs from LOGC in terms of clinicopathological and molecular characteristics. Moreover, multiple differences in prognosis and clinical management also exist. This study aimed to systematically review the latest research advancements in the epidemiological characteristics, etiological factors, clinicopathological and molecular features, prognosis, and treatment modalities of EOGC.

How much do we know about the metastatic process?

Cancer cells can leave their primary sites and travel through the circulation to distant sites, where they lodge as disseminated cancer cells (DCCs), even during the early and asymptomatic stages of tumor progression. In experimental models and clinical samples, DCCs can be detected in a non-proliferative state, defined as cellular dormancy. This state can persist for extended periods until DCCs reawaken, usually in response to niche-derived reactivation signals. Therefore, their clinical detection in sites like lymph nodes and bone marrow is linked to poor survival. Current cancer therapy designs are based on the biology of the primary tumor and do not target the biology of the dormant DCC population and thus fail to eradicate the initial or subsequent waves of metastasis. In this brief review, we discuss the current methods for detecting DCCs and highlight new strategies that aim to target DCCs that constitute minimal residual disease to reduce or prevent metastasis formation. Furthermore, we present current evidence on the relevance of DCCs derived from early stages of tumor progression in metastatic disease and describe the animal models available for their study. We also discuss our current understanding of the dissemination mechanisms utilized by genetically less- and more-advanced cancer cells, which include the functional analysis of intermediate or hybrid states of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Finally, we raise some intriguing questions regarding the clinical impact of studying the crosstalk between evolutionary waves of DCCs and the initiation of metastatic disease.

Clinicopathologic factors correlated with lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort study involving 5606 patients

BACKGROUND

The identification of risk factors associated with lymph node metastasis (LNM) in gastric cancer will establish a crucial foundation for the implementation of endoscopic operation and multidisciplinary treatment programs.

METHODS

A total of 5606 patients with gastric cancer with comprehensive clinicopathologic data were enrolled through systematic searching and rigorous screening. Of the 5606 patients, 1438 were diagnosed with early gastric cancer (EGC), which would be used for further analysis. Subsequently, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors.

RESULTS

The rates of LNM in T1a, T1b, T2, T3, T4a, and T4b stage gastric cancer were 7.0%, 19.4%, 48.4%, 77.1%, 83.8%, and 89.6%, respectively. Female (odds ratio [OR], 1.559; P = .032), lower tumor location (OR, 1.773; P = .023), tumor size of >2 cm (OR, 2.007; P < .001), mixed (OR, 2.371; P = .001) and undifferentiated histologic types (OR, 2.952; P < .001), T1b stage (OR, 2.041; P < .001), presence of ulceration (OR, 1.758; P = .027), and lymphovascular invasion (OR, 5.722; P < .001) were identified as independent risk factors for LNM in EGC. A nomogram was constructed using appropriate predictors to preoperatively predict the risk of LNM in patients with EGC.

CONCLUSION

This study identified the clinicopathologic factors associated with LNM in patients with EGC and developed a prediction model, thereby facilitating the integration of diverse treatment modalities in managing patients with EGC.

Sample Collection and Processing in Volatile Organic Compound Analysis for Gastrointestinal Cancers

Volatile organic compounds have drawn significant attention in recent years as a novel tool for non-invasive detection of a wide range of diseases, including gastrointestinal cancers, for which the need for effective, affordable, and non-invasive screening methods is substantial. Sample preparation is a fundamental step that greatly influences the quality of results and the feasibility of wide-range applications. This review summarizes sampling methods used in studies aiming at testing the diagnostic value of volatile organic compounds in gastrointestinal cancers, discussing in detail some of the recent advancements in automated sampling techniques. Finally, we propose some directions in which sample collection and processing can improve for VOC analysis to be popularized in clinical settings.

Statistical Analysis of Gastric Cancer Cells Response to Broadband Terahertz Radiation with and without Contrast Nanoparticles

The paper describes the statistical analysis of the response of gastric cancer cells and normal cells to broadband terahertz radiation up to 4 THz, both with and without the use of nanostructured contrast agents. The THz spectroscopy analysis was comparatively performed under the ATR procedure and transmission measurement procedure. The statistical analysis was conducted towards multiple pairwise comparisons, including a support medium (without cells) versus a support medium with nanoparticles, normal cells versus normal cells with nanoparticles, and, respectively, tumor cells versus tumor cells with nanoparticles. When generally comparing the ATR procedure and transmission measurement procedure for a broader frequency domain, the differentiation between normal and tumor cells in the presence of contrast agents is superior when using the ATR procedure. THz contrast enhancement by using contrast agents derived from MRI-related contrast agents leads to only limited benefits and only for narrow THz frequency ranges, a disadvantage for THz medical imaging.

Global burden of young-onset gastric cancer: a systematic trend analysis of the global burden of disease study 2019

BACKGROUND

While gastric cancer is generally declining globally, the temporal trend of young-onset (< 40 years) gastric cancer remains uncertain. We performed this analysis to determine the temporal trends of young-onset gastric cancer compared to late-onset cancer (≥ 40 years).

METHODS

We extracted cross-sectional data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019. The burden of gastric cancer from 1990 to 2019 was assessed through indicators including incidence and mortality rates, which were classified at global, national, and regional levels, and according to socio-demographic indexes (SDI) and age or sex groups. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to identify specific years with significant changes. The correlation between AAPC with countries' average SDI was tested by Pearson's Test.

RESULTS

The global incidence rate of young-onset gastric cancer decreased from 2.20 (per 100,000) in 1990 to 1.65 in 2019 (AAPC: - 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 1.25 to - 0.65; P < 0.001). Late-onset cancer incidence also decreased from 59.53 (per 100,000) in 1990 to 41.26 in 2019 (AAPC: - 1.23; 95% CI - 1.39 to - 1.06, P < 0.001). Despite an overall decreasing trend, the incidence rate of young-onset cancer demonstrated a significant increase from 2015 to 2019 (annual percentage change [APC]: 1.39; 95% CI 0.06 to 2.74; P = 0.041), whereas no upward trend was observed in late-onset cancer. Mortality rates of young- and late-onset cancer both exhibited a significant decline during this period (AAPC: - 1.82; 95% CI - 2.15 to - 1.56; P < 0.001 and AAPC: - 1.69, 95% CI - 1.79 to - 1.59; P < 0.001). The male-to-female rate ratio for incidence and mortality in both age groups have been increasing since 1990. While countries with high SDI have had a greater decline in the incidence of late-onset gastric cancer (slope of AAPC change: - 0.20, P = 0.004), it was not observed in young-onset cancer (slope of AAPC change: - 0.11, P = 0.13).

CONCLUSIONS

The global incidence and mortality rates of both young- and late-onset gastric cancer have decreased since 1990. However, the incidence rate of young-onset cancer has demonstrated a small but significant upward trend since 2015. There was disparity in the decline in young-onset gastric cancer among male and high SDI countries. These findings could help to inform future strategies in preventing gastric cancer in younger individuals.

Genome-wide 5-hydroxymethylcytosines in circulating cell-free DNA as noninvasive diagnostic markers for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

5-Hydroxymethylcytosine-enriched gene profiles and regions show tissue-specific and tumor specific. There is a potential value to explore cell-free DNA 5-hydroxymethylcytosine feature biomarkers for early gastric cancer detection.

METHODS

A matched case‒control study design with 50 gastric cancer patients and 50 controls was performed to sequence the different 5-hydroxymethylcytosine modification features of cell free DNA. Significantly differential 5-hydroxymethylcytosine modification genes were identified to construct a gastric cancer diagnostic model. Data set from GEO was used as an external testing set to test the robustness of the diagnostic model.

RESULTS

Accounting for more than 90% of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine peaks were distributed in the gene body in both the gastric cancer and control groups. The diagnostic model was developed based on five different 5-hydroxymethylcytosine modification genes, FBXL7, PDE3A, TPO, SNTG2 and STXBP5. The model could effectively distinguish gastric cancer patients from controls in the training (AUC = 0.95, sensitivity = 88.6%, specificity = 94.3%), validation (AUC = 0.87, sensitivity = 73.3%, specificity = 93.3%) and testing (AUC = 0.90, sensitivity = 81.9%, specificity = 90.2%) sets. The risk scores of the controls from the model were significantly lower than those of gastric cancer patients in both our own data (P < 0.001) and GEO external testing data (P < 0.001), and no significant difference between different TNM stage patients (P = 0.09 and 0.66). Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the healthy control and benign gastric disease patients in the testing set from GEO (P = 0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

The characteristics of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in cell free DNA are specific to gastric cancer patients, and the diagnostic model constructed by five genes' 5-hydroxymethylcytosine features could effectively identify gastric cancer patients.

Family history and gastric cancer incidence and mortality in Asia: a pooled analysis of more than half a million participants

BACKGROUND

The family history of gastric cancer holds important implications for cancer surveillance and prevention, yet existing evidence predominantly comes from case-control studies. We aimed to investigate the association between family history of gastric cancer and gastric cancer risk overall and by various subtypes in Asians in a prospective study.

METHODS

We included 12 prospective cohorts with 550,508 participants in the Asia Cohort Consortium. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate study-specific adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between family history of gastric cancer and gastric cancer incidence and mortality, then pooled using random-effects meta-analyses. Stratified analyses were performed for the anatomical subsites and histological subtypes.

RESULTS

During the mean follow-up of 15.6 years, 2258 incident gastric cancers and 5194 gastric cancer deaths occurred. The risk of incident gastric cancer was higher in individuals with a family history of gastric cancer (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.32-1.58), similarly in males (1.44, 1.31-1.59) and females (1.45, 1.23-1.70). Family history of gastric cancer was associated with both cardia (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.00-1.60) and non-cardia subsites (1.49, 1.35-1.65), and with intestinal- (1.48, 1.30-1.70) and diffuse-type (1.59, 1.35-1.87) gastric cancer incidence. Positive associations were also found for gastric cancer mortality (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.19-1.41).

CONCLUSIONS

In this largest prospective study to date on family history and gastric cancer, a familial background of gastric cancer increased the risk of gastric cancer in the Asian population. Targeted education, screening, and intervention in these high-risk groups may reduce the burden of gastric cancer.

Diagnostic performance of deep-learning-based virtual chromoendoscopy in gastric neoplasms

BACKGROUNDS

Cycle-consistent generative adversarial network (CycleGAN) is a deep neural network model that performs image-to-image translations. We generated virtual indigo carmine (IC) chromoendoscopy images of gastric neoplasms using CycleGAN and compared their diagnostic performance with that of white light endoscopy (WLE).

METHODS

WLE and IC images of 176 patients with gastric neoplasms who underwent endoscopic resection were obtained. We used 1,633 images (911 WLE and 722 IC) of 146 cases in the training dataset to develop virtual IC images using CycleGAN. The remaining 30 WLE images were translated into 30 virtual IC images using the trained CycleGAN and used for validation. The lesion borders were evaluated by 118 endoscopists from 22 institutions using the 60 paired virtual IC and WLE images. The lesion area concordance rate and successful whole-lesion diagnosis were compared.

RESULTS

The lesion area concordance rate based on the pathological diagnosis in virtual IC was lower than in WLE (44.1% vs. 48.5%, p < 0.01). The successful whole-lesion diagnosis was higher in the virtual IC than in WLE images; however, the difference was insignificant (28.2% vs. 26.4%, p = 0.11). Conversely, subgroup analyses revealed a significantly higher diagnosis in virtual IC than in WLE for depressed morphology (41.9% vs. 36.9%, p = 0.02), differentiated histology (27.6% vs. 24.8%, p = 0.02), smaller lesion size (42.3% vs. 38.3%, p = 0.01), and assessed by expert endoscopists (27.3% vs. 23.6%, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic ability of virtual IC was higher for some lesions, but not completely superior to that of WLE. Adjustments are required to improve the imaging system's performance.

Gastric cancer: incidence, risk factors, screening

Modern literature data on the incidence, risk factors, and screening methods for gastric cancer (GC) were analyzed. Global GC incidence is 9.2 per 100.000 people. The GC incidence in Russia, at 13.7 per 100.000 people, exceeds the global value and amounts to 19.8 per 100.000 males and 9.8 per 100.000 females. GC ranks second in the cancer mortality structure in Russia after lung cancer. Main GC risk factors include Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, tobacco smoking, a diet high in salt and processed meat, being male, being over 50 years of age, having a family history of the condition, alcohol consumption, and obesity. The main population screening method for GC is an endoscopic examination of people aged 50 and over every 2—3 years. Besides endoscopy, opportunistic screening can include pepsinogen and H. pylori tests. Activating screening and preventive measures is reasonable for reducing GC incidence in Russia.

Early-Onset Gastrointestinal Malignancies: An Investigation into a Rising Concern

There is growing recognition of early-onset gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies in young adults < 50 years of age. While much of the literature has emphasized colorectal cancer, these also include esophageal, gastric, liver, pancreatic, and biliary tract malignancies. Various factors, including lifestyle, hereditary, and environmental elements, have been proposed to explain the rising incidence of GI malignancies in the younger population. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent literature, including global trends and information regarding genetic and environmental risk factors.

The Effect of Nationwide Organized Cancer Screening Programs on Gastric Cancer Mortality: A Synthetic Control Study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Nationwide organized gastric cancer (GC) screening programs have been running for decades in South Korea and Japan. This study conducted a quasi-experimental analysis to assess the population impact of these programs on GC mortality.

METHODS

We used the flexible synthetic control method (SCM) to estimate the effect of the screening programs on age-standardized GC mortality and other upper gastrointestinal (UGI) diseases (esophageal cancer and peptic ulcer) among people aged ≥40 years. World Health Organization mortality data and country-level covariates from the World Bank and the Global Burden of Diseases study were used for the analyses. We compared postintervention trends in outcome with the counterfactual trend of the synthetic control and estimated average postintervention rate ratios (RRs) with associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A series of sensitivity analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

The preintervention fits were acceptable for the analyses of South Korea and Japan's GC mortality but poor for Japan's other UGI disease mortality. The average postintervention RRs were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.71-0.96) for GC mortality and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.57-0.90) for other UGI disease mortality in South Korea. The RR reached 0.59 by the 15th year after the initiation of nationwide screening. For Japan, the average RRs were 0.97 (95% CI, 0.88-1.07) for GC mortality and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.68-1.28) for other UGI disease mortality. Sensitivity analysis reveals the result for Japan may potentially be biased.

CONCLUSIONS

South Korea's nationwide GC screening has apparent benefits, whereas the Japanese program's effectiveness is uncertain. The experiences of South Korea and Japan could serve as a reference for other countries.

Population-based X-ray gastric cancer screening in Hiroshima prefecture, Japan

BACKGROUND

X-ray gastric cancer (GC) screening has been shown to decrease mortality. Population-based X-ray GC screening has been performed in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, since 1983 but time trends and the efficacy of the method over 39 years have not been assessed.

AIM

To evaluate time trends and efficacy of population-based X-ray GC screening and identify challenges and suggested solutions for the future.

METHODS

This was a population-based retrospective study. The data were derived from aggregated data of the Hiroshima Regional Health Medical Promotion Organization, including the number and rate of participants and those requiring esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs), the number and rate of participants diagnosed as having GC, and the positive predictive value of the abnormal findings detected by X-ray and confirmed by EGDs. The number and rate of esophageal cancers were also collected. Further, the cost of detecting one GC was evaluated.

RESULTS

The number of participants has decreased during the last four decades, from 39925 in 1983 to 12923 in 2021. The rate of those requiring EGDs decreased significantly in recent years (P < 0.001). The number of participants diagnosed as having GC has also declined, from 76 to 10 cases. However, the rate of cases diagnosed as GC among the participants remained around 0.1%. The positive predictive value increased significantly in recent years except during 1983-1991. The number and rate of accidentally detected esophageal cancers have risen recently, from 0% in 2008 to 0.02% in 2021, one-fifth of the diagnosis rate of GC. One GC diagnosis costs approximately 4200000 Japanese Yen (30000 United States Dollars) for the X-ray screenings and EGDs.

CONCLUSION

X-ray GC screening in Hiroshima has been efficient, but one challenge is the cost. Esophageal cancers may also need to be considered because they have gradually increased in recent years.

Pan-Asian adapted ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with gastric cancer

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with gastric cancer (GC), published in late 2022 and the updated ESMO Gastric Cancer Living Guideline published in July 2023, were adapted in August 2023, according to previously established standard methodology, to produce the Pan-Asian adapted (PAGA) ESMO consensus guidelines for the management of Asian patients with GC. The adapted guidelines presented in this manuscript represent the consensus opinions reached by a panel of Asian experts in the treatment of patients with GC representing the oncological societies of China (CSCO), Indonesia (ISHMO), India (ISMPO), Japan (JSMO), Korea (KSMO), Malaysia (MOS), the Philippines (PSMO), Singapore (SSO), Taiwan (TOS) and Thailand (TSCO), coordinated by ESMO and the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology (JSMO). The voting was based on scientific evidence and was independent of the current treatment practices, drug access restrictions and reimbursement decisions in the different Asian regions represented by the 10 oncological societies. The latter are discussed separately in the manuscript. The aim is to provide guidance for the optimisation and harmonisation of the management of patients with GC across the different regions of Asia, drawing on the evidence provided by both Western and Asian trials, whilst respecting the differences in screening practices, molecular profiling and age and stage at presentation. Attention is drawn to the disparity in the drug approvals and reimbursement strategies, between the different regions of Asia.

Antimicrobial-resistant Helicobacter pylori in Japan: Report of nationwide surveillance for 2018-2020

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial therapy is necessary to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection. The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria poses a threat to continued treatment with antimicrobial agents. For those who prescribe antimicrobial therapy, it is necessary to constantly monitor the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.

METHOD

H. pylori clinical isolates were collected in Japan from August 2018 to December 2020 for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The agar dilution method was used for the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of clarithromycin (CLR), amoxicillin (AMX), metronidazole (MNZ), and sitafloxacin (STX).

RESULTS

MICs for 938 H. pylori isolates were examined. The primary resistance rates of H. pylori clinical isolates for CLR, AMX, MNZ, and STX in Japan were 35.5%, 2.7%, 4.2%, and 27.6%, respectively. The primary resistance rates for CLR, AMX, and MNZ were significantly higher than those of the 2002-2005 isolates. The resistance rate for CLR was significantly higher in females (males: 30.7%, females: 41.5%, p < 0.001) and higher in the ≤29 years age group (54.8%) than in the other age groups, although there were no significant differences (p = 0.104). The MNZ resistance rate was significantly higher in the ≤29 years age group than in the other age groups (p = 0.004). The resistance rate for STX increased with age, but a significant difference was only seen between the 30-49 years age group and the ≥70 years age group (p < 0.001), and the resistance rate was significantly higher in strains isolated in the Kyushu region than in the other regions (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The primary resistance rates for CLR, AMX, and MNZ of H. pylori clinical isolates in Japan were higher than those of the 2002-2005 isolates. Continuous surveillance is needed to monitor the trends in antimicrobial-resistant H. pylori.

Current status of quality control in screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy and the emerging role of artificial intelligence

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) screening is being implemented in countries with a high incidence of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer. High-quality EGD screening ensures the yield of early diagnosis and prevents suffering from advanced UGI cancer and minimal operational-related discomfort. However, performance varied dramatically among endoscopists, and quality control for EGD screening remains suboptimal. Guidelines have recommended potential measures for endoscopy quality improvement and research has been conducted for evidence. Moreover, artificial intelligence offers a promising solution for computer-aided diagnosis and quality control during EGD examinations. In this review, we summarized the key points for quality assurance in EGD screening based on current guidelines and evidence. We also outline the latest evidence, limitations, and future prospects of the emerging role of artificial intelligence in EGD quality control, aiming to provide a foundation for improving the quality of EGD screening.

Regulatory T cells in gastric cancer: Key controllers from pathogenesis to therapy

Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly aggressive malignancy that remains a significant contributor to cancer-related mortality worldwide, despite a decline in incidence in recent years. Early-stage GC poses a diagnostic challenge due to its asymptomatic nature, leading to poor prognoses for most patients. Conventional treatment approaches, including chemotherapy and surgery, have shown limited efficacy in improving outcomes for GC patients. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized cancer therapy, yielding durable responses across various malignancies. However, the clinical benefits of ICIs in GC have been modest, underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding of immune cell functions within the GC tumor microenvironment (TME). Regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subset of T lymphocytes, play a pivotal role in GC development and progression and serve as prognostic biomarkers for GC patients. This review aims to elucidate the multifaceted roles of Tregs in the pathogenesis, progression, and prognosis of gastric cancer, and establish their actual and future potential as therapeutic targets. By providing insights into the intricate interplay between Tregs and the TME, this review strives to stimulate further investigation and facilitate the development of targeted Treg-based therapeutic strategies for GC.

Latin American and the Caribbean Code Against Cancer 1st edition: Infections and cancer

About 13% of all cancers around the world are associated with infectious agents, particularly in low-resource settings. The main infectious agents associated with cancer are Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), that causes gastric cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancer, hepatitis B and C viruses that cause liver cancer, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), associated with cancers of the cervix, Kaposi sarcoma (KS) and non-Hodgkin´s lymphoma. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), about 150,000 cancer cases are caused annually by infections. The LAC Cancer Code Against Cancer consists of a set of 17 evidence-based and individual-level cancer prevention recommendations targeted to the general population, suited to the epidemiological, socioeconomic, and cultural conditions of the region, and tailored to the availability and accessibility of health-care systems. The recommendations with respect to infection-driven malignancies include testing and treating for H. pylori in the context of specific public health programs, vaccination against HPV and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and detection and treatment of chronic infections with HBV, Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV, in addition to the promotion of safe sex and use of condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STI). Countries, policy makers, health care systems and individuals should consider the adoption of these recommendations to help reduce the incidence and mortality of infection-related cancers in LAC, to improve quality of life of individuals and reduce the costs of cancer care in the region.

Extracellular vesicle biomarkers in circulation for the diagnosis of gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta‑analysis

The prognosis of a gastric cancer (GC) diagnosis is poor due to the current lack of effective early diagnostic methods. Extracellular vesicle (EV) biomarkers have previously demonstrated strong diagnostic efficiency for certain types of cancer, including pancreatic and lung cancer. The present review aimed to summarize the diagnostic value of circulating EV biomarkers for early stage GC. The PubMed, Medline and Web of Science databases were searched from May 1983 to September 18, 2022. All studies that reported the diagnostic performance of EV biomarkers for GC were included for analysis. Overall, 27 studies were selected containing 2,831 patients with GC and 2,117 controls. A total of 58 EV RNAs were reported in 26 studies, including 39 microRNAs (miRNAs), 10 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), five circular RNAs, three PIWI-interacting RNAs and one mRNA, in addition to one protein in the remaining study. Meta-analysis of the aforementioned studies demonstrated that the pooled sensitivity, specificity and AUC value of the total RNAs were 84, 67% and 0.822, respectively. The diagnostic values of miRNAs were consistent with the total RNA, as the pooled sensitivity, specificity and AUC value were 84, 67% and 0.808, respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity and AUC values of lncRNAs were 89, 69% and 0.872, respectively, markedly higher compared with that of miRNAs. A total of five studies reported the diagnostic performance of EV RNA panels for early stage GC and reported powerful diagnostic values with a pooled sensitivity, specificity and AUC value of 80, 77% and 0.879, respectively. Circulating EV RNAs could have the potential to be used in the future as effective, noninvasive biomarkers for early GC diagnosis. Further research in this field is necessary to translate these findings into clinical practice.

Construction and results of a comprehensive index for gastrointestinal health monitoring in China: a nationwide study

BACKGROUND

The disease burden of gastrointestinal disease (GD) in China is high, with significant variation across provinces. A comprehensive agreed set of indicators could guide rational resource allocation to support better GD outcomes.

METHODS

This study collected data from multiple sources, including national surveillance, surveys, registration systems, and scientific research. Literature reviews and Delphi methods were used to obtain monitoring indicators; the analytic hierarchy process was used to determine indicator weights.

FINDINGS

The China Gastrointestinal Health Index (GHI) system consisted of four dimensions and 46 indicators. The weight of the four dimensions from high to low included the prevalence of gastrointestinal non-neoplastic diseases and gastrointestinal neoplasms (GN) (0.3246), clinical treatment of GD (0.2884), prevention and control of risk factors (0.2606), and exposure to risk factors (0.1264). The highest indicator weight of GHI rank was the successful smoking cessation rate (0.1253), followed by the 5-year survival rate of GN (0.0905), and the examination rate of diagnostic oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (0.0661). The overall GHI for China in 2019 was 49.89, varying from 39.19 to 76.13 across all sub-regions. The top five sub-regions in the total GHI score were in the eastern region.

INTERPRETATION

GHI is the first system designed to monitor gastrointestinal health systematically. In the future, data from sub-regions of China should be used to test and improve the GHI system for its impact.

FUNDING

This research was supported by the National Health Commission of China, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (2019YXK006), and the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (21Y31900100).

Clinical value of serum pepsinogen in the diagnosis and treatment of gastric diseases

Pepsinogen, secreted from the gastric mucosa, is the precursor of pepsin. It is categorized as pepsinogen 1 and pepsinogen 2 based on its immunogenicity. The pepsinogen content that can enter the blood circulation through the capillaries of the gastric mucosa is approximately 1% and remains stable all the time. The pepsinogen content in serum will change with the pathological changes of gastric mucosa. Therefore, the level of pepsinogen in serum can play a role in serologic biopsy to reflect the function and morphology of different regions of gastric mucosa and serve as an indicator of gastric disease. This study conducts relevant research on serum pepsinogen 1, pepsinogen 2, and the ratio of pepsinogen 1 to pepsinogen 2, and reviews their important value in clinical diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection, gastric ulcer, and even gastric carcinoma, providing ideas for other researchers.