"Helicobacter Eradication Treatment Reduces Gastric Cancer Incidence and Mortality in the Elderly Over 70"

[Financial News] Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment has been confirmed for the first time in the world by a domestic research team to have a clear effect on preventing gastric cancer and reducing mortality not only in younger people but also in the elderly over 70.
Helicobacter pylori infection is known as a major risk factor for gastric cancer, but until now, it has not been clearly revealed how much benefit eradication treatment can provide to the elderly.

According to Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, the research team led by Professor Jung Yoon-sook of the Department of Gastroenterology conducted a long-term follow-up study until 2021 on 916,438 adults aged 20 and older who received Helicobacter eradication treatment from 2009 to 2011. The average follow-up period was 12.4 years.
The research team divided the age groups into 10-year intervals from the 20s to over 70s and compared the incidence and mortality rates of gastric cancer with the general population. The analysis showed that the eradication treatment group had significantly lower risks of gastric cancer incidence and mortality than the general population in all age groups except for those in their 20s.
In particular, in the elderly over 70, the incidence of gastric cancer was reduced by 52% and mortality from gastric cancer was reduced by 34% (SIR=0.52, SMR=0.34).
The research team further analyzed by subdividing the elderly into groups of 70-74, 75-79, and over 80 years old. The results showed that the incidence and mortality rates of gastric cancer in patients who received eradication treatment were lower than those in the general population in all three groups, confirming that the treatment effect is maintained even in the super-aged.
Professor Jung emphasized, "This study shows that Helicobacter eradication treatment can contribute to the prevention of gastric cancer and improvement of survival rates in the elderly over 70, especially in the super-aged over 80," adding, "It is most desirable to perform eradication treatment as early as possible, but it should not be limited solely because of age."
This study was published in the latest issue of the prestigious international journal in the field of gastroenterology, Gastroenterology.

vrdw88@fnnews.com Kang Jung-mo Reporter