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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Gastric cancer screening; Helicobacter pylori; Serum biomarkers; Multiple combined serologic testing; Noninvasive diagnostic markers

Core Tip: Traditional serum tumor markers exhibit low diagnostic efficacy. Although gastrin and pepsin reflect the current state of the stomach, their clinical application remains impractical. New molecular biomarkers, such as noncoding genomes, have potential utility in diagnosing and screening for gastric cancer (GC); however, further validation is required. Serum anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies have been used in various combined examination methods for GC screening, and the relationship between specific antibodies to virulence factors and GC risk has been thoroughly researched. The application of multiple serological detection and prediction models has expanded the pool of candidate biomarkers for GC screening.