Key points in the 2024 Japanese Guidelines for Helicobacter pylori Infection for the prevention of gastric cancer

Abstract

The Japanese Society for Helicobacter Research introduced the 2024 Japanese Guidelines for Helicobacter pylori Infection. Several points therein are important in the screening of gastric cancer. Although cut-off values are the same, the significance of serum antibody titers differs between E-plate and Denka latex. “Negative-high” in gastric cancer risk (ABC) screening should be used only for E-plate. Serum pepsinogen (PG)s has been used to indicate atrophic gastritis and is useful to distinguish subjects with and without Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Measurement of serum antibody titer and PGs should not be repeated in a person. Both barium X-ray and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for the screening of gastric cancer can diagnose gastritis induced by H. pylori infection. H. pylori infection diagnosed based on gastric cancer screening should be eradicated in order to reduce the risk for gastric cancer.