Daijiworld Media Network- Birmingham
Birmingham, Feb 28: Researchers have identified a potential link between bacterial leakage across the gastric lining and the development of gastric cancer, according to a recent study published by Giddings et al in Helicobacter. The findings could lead to new preventive treatments for gastric cancer.
Gastric cancer remains the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection, though often asymptomatic, has long been identified as a primary risk factor. However, researchers are yet to determine why only 1% of infected individuals progress to gastric cancer.
If detected early, H pylori can be eliminated through antibiotics, significantly reducing the risk of cancer. However, once precancerous changes occur, antibiotic treatment becomes ineffective, highlighting the urgent need for alternative treatment strategies.
While previous studies suggested that the gastric microbiome plays a role in cancer progression, the precise localization of bacteria within the stomach remained unclear.
Using advanced imaging techniques, researchers pinpointed the location of bacteria in the stomach. The study uncovered a crucial interaction between H. pylori and other bacterial species during the precancerous stage of gastric cancer.
The researchers observed that H pylori exclusively colonized the gastric glands, whereas non-H. pylori bacteria breached the gastric lining in patients with gastric intestinal metaplasia—a known precancerous condition.
Commenting on the findings, senior study author Dr Amanda Rossiter-Pearson of the University of Birmingham expressed optimism about the potential impact of this discovery.
“We are excited about the potential of this observation to open a new avenue of research in the prevention of gastric cancer. A simple antibiotic treatment might be developed to target these bacteria. However, further research is needed to determine the exact bacterial species involved and how their presence influences cancer risk,” she stated.
The study suggests that bacterial leakage into deeper gastric tissues may be a previously overlooked factor in cancer progression. This breakthrough may explain why only a fraction of H. pylori infections lead to gastric cancer, paving the way for innovative diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Dr Talisia Quallo, Research Programme Manager at Cancer Research UK, emphasized the need for further research.
“Gastric cancer has limited treatment options and poor survival rates. Early detection and targeted treatment strategies are crucial. This research shows that H pylori may interact with other bacteria to drive precancerous changes. More studies are required to fully understand this interaction and explore ways to prevent cancer development,” she concluded.