Helicobacter pylori, Homologous-Recombination Genes, and Gastric Cancer

This original article investigates the interaction between Helicobacter pylori infection and germline pathogenic variants in 27 cancer-predisposing genes, focusing on gastric cancer risk. Using data from over 48,000 participants in Japan’s BioBank and HERPACC cohorts, the study identifies nine genes—including BRCA1, BRCA2, CDH1, and ATM—with significant associations. Notably, carriers of variants in homologous-recombination genes who are also infected with H. pylori face substantially increased cumulative risk of gastric cancer (up to 45.5% by age 85), highlighting a strong additive interaction. These findings suggest targeted surveillance and eradication of H. pylori in genetically susceptible individuals may be pivotal for prevention.

This original article investigates the interaction between Helicobacter pylori infection and germline pathogenic variants in 27 cancer-predisposing genes, focusing on gastric cancer risk. Using data from over 48,000 participants in Japan’s BioBank and HERPACC cohorts, the study identifies nine genes—including BRCA1, BRCA2, CDH1, and ATM—with significant associations. Notably, carriers of variants in homologous-recombination genes who are also infected with H. pylori face substantially increased cumulative risk of gastric cancer (up to 45.5% by age 85), highlighting a strong additive interaction. These findings suggest targeted surveillance and eradication of H. pylori in genetically susceptible individuals may be pivotal for prevention.