Tea consumption and cancer: a Mendelian randomization study / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: A Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to assess the relationship between tea consumption and cancer. Methods: There were 100 639 participants with the information of gene sequencing of whole genome in the China Kadoorie Biobank. After excluding those with cancer at baseline survey, a total of 100 218 participants were included in this study. The baseline information about tea consumption were analyzed, including daily tea consumption or not, cups of daily tea consumption, and grams of daily tea consumption. We used the two-stage least square method to evaluate the associations between three tea consumption variables and incidence of cancer and some subtypes, including stomach cancer, liver and intrahepatic bile ducts cancer, colorectal cancer, tracheobronchial and lung cancer, and female breast cancer. Multivariable MR and analysis only among nondrinkers were used to control the impact of alcohol consumption. Sensitivity analyses were also performed, including inverse variance weighting, weighted median, and MR-Egger. Results: We used 54, 42, and 28 SNPs to construct non-weighted genetic risk scores as instrumental variables for daily tea consumption or not, cups of daily tea consumption, and grams of daily tea consumption, respectively. During an average of (11.4±3.0) years of follow-up, 6 886 cases of cancer were recorded. After adjusting for age, age2, sex, region, array type, and the first 12 genetic principal components, there were no significant associations of three tea consumption variables with the incidence of cancer and cancer subtypes. Compared with non-daily tea drinkers, the HR (95%CI) of daily tea drinkers for cancer and some subtypes, including stomach cancer, liver and intrahepatic bile ducts cancer, colorectal cancer, tracheobronchial and lung cancer, and female breast cancer, are respectively 0.99 (0.78-1.26), 1.17 (0.58-2.36), 0.86 (0.40-1.84), 0.85 (0.42-1.73), 1.39 (0.85-2.26) and 0.63 (0.28-1.38). After controlling the impact of alcohol consumption and performing multiple sensitivity analyses, the results were similar. Conclusion: There is no causal relationship between tea consumption and risk of cancer in population in China.

Comportamiento clínico epidemiológico del cáncer gástrico en el Hospital Calixto García / Clinical-Epidemiological Characteristics of Gastric Cancer in Calixto Garcia Hospital

Introducción: El cáncer de estómago representa la segunda causa de muerte relacionada con neoplasias en el mundo, es responsable del 8 al 10 por ciento de todas las muertes por cáncer. A pesar de un marcado descenso en su incidencia, constituye una de las principales causas de muerte por cáncer en Cuba y el mundo. Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento clínico epidemiológico en los pacientes con cáncer gástrico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal de los pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer gástrico que acudieron a consulta en el Hospital Universitario General Calixto García, en el período comprendido entre enero de 2014 y diciembre de 2018. El universo estuvo constituido por 146 pacientes. Los datos fueron obtenidos de las historias clínicas y procesados mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: De los pacientes estudiados, 67,6 por ciento pertenecían al sexo masculino y tenían entre 60 y 79 años; 51,7 por ciento presentó como factor de riesgo el hábito de fumar. Un total de 124 pacientes padecieron de dolor abdominal. El 100 por ciento de los exámenes complementarios realizados fueron endoscopia y biopsia. Se observó el adenocarcinoma moderadamente diferenciado en un total de 80 pacientes. Al 100 por ciento se le realizó tratamiento quirúrgico. La técnica quirúrgica más empleada fue la gastrectomía subtotal. Conclusiones: Las edades avanzadas de la vida, los antecedentes de úlcera gástrica, el tabaquismo y el alcoholismo son factores epidemiológicos característicos de la población de enfermos aquejados de cáncer gástrico. Los elementos clínicos identificados fueron los habitualmente descritos en la literatura médica. La cirugía en la actualidad es la única modalidad con potencial curativo(AU)

Introduction: Stomach cancer accounts for the second cause of death related to neoplasms worldwide; it is responsible for 8 percent to 10 percent of all cancer deaths. In spite of a marked decrease in its incidence, it constitutes one of the main causes of cancer death in Cuba and worldwide. Objective: To describe the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients with gastric cancer. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out with patients with a diagnosis of gastric cancer who attended consultation at Calixto García General University Hospital in the period from January 2014 to December 2018. The universe consisted of 146 patients. The data were obtained from medical records and processed by descriptive statistics. Results: Of the patients studied, 67.6 percent were male and aged 60-79 years. 51.7 percent presented smoking as a risk factor. A total of 124 patients suffered from abdominal pain. 100 percent of the complementary examinations performed were endoscopy and biopsy. Moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma was observed in a total of 80 patients. The surgical treatment was performed in 100 percent. The most commonly used surgical technique was subtotal gastrectomy. Conclusions: The research suggests that, currently, early diagnosis and surgery is the only modality with curative potential, being able to raise the quality of life, as well as to improve morbidity and mortality rates in the population(AU)

Comparación de la prevalencia del grupo sanguíneo A en cáncer de estómago y población donante de sangre / Comparison of the prevalence of blood group A in gastric cancer patients and blood donors

RESUMEN Antecedentes: el cáncer gástrico constituye una enfermedad con una alta incidencia y mortalidad en Uruguay. El grupo sanguíneo A ha sido considerado un factor de riesgo así como de mayor prevalencia en esta enfermedad. Objetivo: El objetivo del trabajo es comparar el porcentaje entre el grupo sanguíneo A en pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer gástrico y población donante de sangre en Uruguay. Material y métodos: se trata de un estudio observacional y retrospectivo. El tamaño muestral se determinó mediante la fórmula de comparación de proporciones con un nivel de confianza de 95% y una potencia de 80%. El número calculado fue de 149 para cada grupo. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes del Hospital Maciel y la Cooperativa Médica de Florida que cumplieron con los criterios de ingreso y una población de donantes de sangre de ambas instituciones. El análisis se realizó mediante la prueba de χ2 (chi cuadrado) estableciéndose un nivel de significación de 0,05. Resultados: se incluyeron 153 pacientes y usuarios en cada grupo. El grupo sanguíneo A presentó menor porcentaje en los pacientes con cáncer gástrico (35,9%) en relación con la población donante de sangre (36,6%). La diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa entre los grupos estudiados. Conclusiones: se encontró que no hay diferencia significativa entre los porcentajes del grupo sanguíneo A de los grupos comparados.

ABSTRACT Background: Gastric cancer has high incidence and mortality in Uruguay. Blood group A has been considered a risk factor for gastric cancer and has high prevalence in this disease. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the percentage of blood group A in patients with gastric cancer and in blood donors in Uruguay. Material and methods: We conducted an observational and retrospective study. We used the sample size calculation for comparing proportions with a confidence of 95% and 80% power. The number calculated was 149 for each group. We included all the patients from Hospital Maciel and Cooperativa Médica de Florida who met the admission criteria and a population of blood donors from both institutions. The chi-square test was used and a p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 153 patients and blood donors were included in each group. Blood group A was less common in gastric cancer patients than in blood donors (35.9% vs. 36.6%). The difference was not statistically significant between the groups studied. Conclusions: We did not find any significant difference in the percentage of blood group A in the groups compared.

Impacto económico de los egresos hospitalarios asociados a cáncer gástrico en las regiones del Maule, La Araucanía y Aysén durante los años 2015-2020 / Economic impact of hospital discharges associated with gastric cancer in del Maule, La Araucanía and Aysén regions during years 2015-2020

Introduction: Gastric cancer (GC) represents one of the highest incidences in the world and in Chile, registering one of the highest mortality rates with a significant economic impact. Objective: Examine the economic expenditure (EE) associated with bed-days due to GC in patients older than 45 years according to the year of the hospital discharge, during the years 2015-2020 in the regions of Maule, La Araucanía, and Aysén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo. Material y methods: Our ecological study is focused on a sample of patients who registered a discharge due to GC was applied (n=3,391). Data extraction was performed from the Department of Statistics and Health Information. Results: During the period of analysis, was recorded an expense of $508,995,025, with 2017 being the year with the highest value of $111,321,220. The largest EE was concentrated in La Araucanía with $265,802,005 and the smallest in Aysén with $23,646,555. Discussion: There is a genetic predisposition to GC in the Mapuche population, which resides in southern Chile. In addition, the lower EE is associated with the female sex because estrogens interfere in processes that are related to a lower predisposition for the development of GC. It is recommended to extend the study to other regions of Chile in order to extrapolate the results to the national level and to enrich the available literature.

Introducción: El cáncer gástrico (CG) representa una de las mayores incidencias en el mundo y en Chile, registrando una de las tasas más altas de mortalidad con un impacto económico importante. Objetivo: Examinar el gasto económico (GE) asociados a días-cama por CG en pacientes mayores a 45 años según año de egreso hospitalario, durante los años 2015-2020 en las regiones del Maule, La Araucanía y Aysén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo. Materiales y métodos: Se aplicó un estudio ecológico focalizado en una muestra de pacientes que registran un egreso a causa de CG (n=3.391). La extracción de datos se realizó a partir del Departamento de Estadística e Información de Salud. Resultados: En el período se registró un gasto de $508.995.025, siendo el año 2017 el que presentó el mayor con un valor de $111.321.220. El mayor GE se concentró en La Araucanía con $265.802.005 y el menor en Aysén con $23.646.555. Discusión: Existe una mayor predisposición genética al CG en la población mapuche residente en el sur de Chile y el menor GE se asocia al sexo femenino debido a que los estrógenos interfieren en procesos que se relacionan con una menor predisposición para el desarrollo de CG. Se recomienda ampliar el estudio a otras regiones de Chile para poder extrapolar los resultados a nivel nacional y enriquecer la literatura disponible.

Incidência, mortalidade e tendências do câncer de estômago no Brasil: um estudo de base populacional / Incidence, mortality and trends of stomach cancer in Brazil: a population-based study

INTRODUÇÃO: O câncer de estômago (CaE) ocupou o 5º lugar de todos os cânceres que ocorreram no mundo em 2020 e foi a 4ª principal causa de morte por câncer no Brasil, e a 4ª mais frequente entre os homens e o 6º nas mulheres. A incidência e mortalidade de CaE variam de acordo com o IDH (Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano). Essas variações são atribuídas a diferentes fatores de riscos associados ao estilo de vida, a prevalência de H. Pylori e detecção precoce do CaE. OBJETIVO: analisar o perfil epidemiológico de incidência, mortalidade e tendências do CaE no Brasil e verificar as suas associações com IDH. MÉTODOS: Os dados para a incidência foram extraídos dos Registros de Câncer de Base Populacional (RCBP), de 1988 à 2017, sob o código C-16 (neoplasias maligna do estômago) e os dados da mortalidade extraídos do Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). Foram calculadas as taxas de incidência e mortalidade brutas e padronizadas. Para as análises de tendência foi utilizado a análise de regressão no programa Joinpoint Regression Program (SEER). Os dados do IDH foram extraídos do banco do Programa das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento (PNUD). Para as análises de correlação de Pearson foi utilizada o programa Stata 15. Os efeitos de idade-período-coorte de nascimento foram estimados para a mortalidade pelo modelo de APC calculados pelo pacote Epi do software R. RESULTADOS: A incidência do CaE foi o dobro no sexo masculino. As maiores taxas incidência foram observadas na região Norte com tendência de estabilidade na maioria das capitais brasileiras. Foi observado correlação negativa do IDH e IDH-longevidade com as taxas padronizadas de incidência para homens e mulheres e IDH-educação para mulheres. A mortalidade foi maior para homens e as maiores taxas foram observadas no Amapá. A região Sul apresentou as maiores taxas de 2000-2009 e em 2010-2019 foi a região Norte para homens e mulheres. As regiões Sul, Sudeste e Centro-oeste apresentaram tendências de redução da mortalidade de CaE, enquanto as regiões Nordeste e Norte aumento nos últimos 20 anos. As taxas de mortalidade de CaE aumentam com a idade (> 60anos), com risco maior de óbito em homens e mulheres nascidos após a década de 1960 nas regiões Nordeste e Norte, o risco diminui nas regiões Sudeste, Sul e Centro-Oeste para ambos os sexos. Houve correlação positiva da taxa de CaE (2000-2010) com IDH (2000) para ambos os sexos e correlação negativa para a tendência. CONCLUSÃO: A incidência de CaE apresentou estabilidade para a maioria das capitais do Brasil e a mortalidade aumento para as regiões Norte e Nordeste. O risco de CaE é maior em pessoas acima de 60 anos e o IDH correlaciona-se inversamente com as taxas de incidência e tendências da mortalidade na primeira década e positivamente na taxa de mortalidade no mesmo período. A análise permite verificar que as melhorias no desenvolvimento socioeconômico ao longo do tempo podem contribuir para a redução na tendência da mortalidade do CaE.

INTRODUCTION: Stomach cancer (SC) ranked 5th among all cancers that occurred in the world in 2020 and was the 4th leading cause of cancer death in Brazil, and the 4th most frequent among men and the 6th among women. The incidence and mortality of SC varies according to the HDI (Human Development Index). These variations are attributed to different risk factors associated with lifestyle, H. pylori prevalence, and early detection of SC. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the epidemiological profile of incidence, mortality and trends of SC in Brazil and to verify its associations with HDI. METHODS: Data for incidence were extracted from the Population Based Cancer Registry (PBCR), 1993 to 2017, under code C-16 (malignant neoplasms of the stomach) and mortality data from the Information System of Mortality of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). Crude and standardized incidence and mortality rates were calculated. For trend analysis, linear regression analysis was used in the Joinpoint Regression Program (SEER). HDI data were extracted from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) database. For Pearson's correlation analysis, the Stata 11.2 program was used. The age-period-birth cohort effects from 2000-2019 were estimated by the APC model calculated by Epi of the R software. RESULTS: The incidence of SC in Brazil were twice as high in males. The highest incidence rates were observed in the North region, with a trend towards stability in most Brazilian capitals. A negative correlation of IDH and HDI-longevity with the standardized incidence rates for men and women and HDI-education for women was observed. Mortality was higher for men and the highest rates were observed in Amapá. The South region had the highest rates from 2000-2000 and in 2010-2019 it was the North region for men and women. The South, Southeast and Central-West regions showed a tendency to reduce SC, while the Northeast and North regions increased in the last 20 years. SC mortality rates increase with age (> 60 years), with a higher risk of death in men and women born after the 1960s in the Northeast and North regions and the risk decreases in the Southeast, South and Midwest regions for both the sexes. There was a positive correlation between the SC rate (2000-2010) and the HDI (2000) for both sexes and a negative correlation for the trend. CONCLUSION: The incidence of SC remained stable for most capitals in Brazil and mortality increased in the North and Northeast regions. The risk of SC is higher in people over 60 years of age and the HDI is inversely correlated with incidence rates and mortality trends in the first decade and positively with the mortality rate in the same period. The analysis makes it possible to verify that improvements in socioeconomic development over time can contribute to a reduction in the mortality trend of SC

Incidence of gastric cancer and risk factors in Suzhou cohort / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To describe gastric cancer incidence in Suzhou cohort, explore the environmental risk factors of gastric cancer in Suzhou, and provide appropriate suggestions for gastric cancer prevention and control. Methods: The participants were from the Suzhou cohort of China Kadoorie Biobank. Baseline survey was conducted from 2004 to 2008, followed by long-term follow-up until December 31, 2013. After the exclusion of those who had been previously diagnosed with peptic ulcer and malignant tumor reported at baseline survey and gastric cancer within six months after enrollment, a total of 50,136 participants were included. Cox proportional risk models were used to identify risk factors of gastric cancer and their hazard ratios in Suzhou. The effect modifications of gender on the association between risk factors and gastric cancer were analyzed. Results: In the follow-up of 7.19 years (median), 374 gastric cancers cases occurred. The standardized incidence was 94.57 per 100 000 person-years. Multivariate Cox proportional risk model analysis found that age (10 years old as a age group, HR=2.20, 95%CI: 1.92-2.53, P<0.001), current smoking (HR=1.84, 95%CI: 1.10-3.07 P=0.020), consumption of preserved vegetables weekly (HR=2.28, 95%CI: 1.28-4.07, P=0.005) and daily (HR=2.05, 95%CI: 1.16-3.61, P=0.013) were risk factors for gastric cancer. Female (HR=0.44, 95%CI: 0.25-0.76, P=0.003) and refrigerator use (10 years as a limit, HR=0.85, 95%CI: 0.74-0.97, P=0.016) were protective factors for gastric cancer. Further analysis showed that there was heterogeneity between males and females in the association between refrigerator use years and the incidence of gastric cancer (P=0.009), and there was an interaction effect between gender and refrigerator use on the incidence of gastric cancer (P=0.010). Conclusions: The incidence of gastric cancer in Suzhou cohort was high. The risk factors of gastric cancer varied. There was a synergistic interaction effect between gender and refrigerator use years on the incidence of gastric cancer.

Epidemic characteristics of stomach cancer mortality in Qidong during 1972-2016 / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To describe the epidemic characteristics of stomach cancer mortality in Qidong between 1972 and 2016. Methods: The cancer registry data of stomach cancer death and population during 1972-2016 in Qidong was collected. The mortality of crude rate (CR), China age-standardized rate (CASR), world age-standardized rate (WASR), 35-64 years truncated rate, 0-74 years cumulative rate, cumulative risk, percentage change (PC), annual percent change (APC) were calculated. Results: During 1972-2016, a total of 15 863 (male: 10 114, female: 5 749) deaths occurred attributed to stomach cancer, accounting for 16.04% of all cancers, with CR of 31.37/100 000 (CASR: 12.97/100 000, WASR: 21.39/100 000). The truncated rate of 35-64, cumulative rate of 0-74, and cumulative risk were 28.86/100 000, 2.54%, and 2.51%, respectively. For male, the CR, CASR, WASR were 40.53/100 000, 17.98/100 000, 30.13/100 000, respectively, and for female, the CR, CASR, WASR were 22.45/100 000, 8.52/100 000, 13.92/100 000, respectively. Age-specific mortality analysis showed that the mortality of each age group under 25-year-old group was less than 1/100 000. The CR increased with age. The 50-year-old group reached and exceeded the average mortality of the population, and more than 80-year-old group reached the peak of death. During 1972-2016 in Qidong, The PCs in CR, CASR, and WASR of stomach cancer were 55.43%, -52.02%, -43.60%. The APC were 0.54%, -2.30%, -2.08%, respectively. Period mortality analysis showed that except for the 75-year-old group, the mortality of stomach cancer decreased significantly. Conclusions: The crude mortality of stomach cancer increases slightly in Qidong, while the CASR and WASR decrease significantly. However, stomach cancer is still one of the malignant tumors that most affect health and seriously threat lives.

Changing trend of incidence and mortality of stomach cancer during 2010-2016 in Henan Province, China / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To estimate stomach cancer incidence and mortality in Henan, 2016 and analyze the trend of stomach cancer incidence and mortality from 2010 to 2016. Methods: Stomach cancer related data in 2016 was extracted from Henan cancer registration and follow-up system. All data were qualified in validity, reliability and completeness according to the Guideline on Cancer Registration in China and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/IACR). The incidence and mortality of stomach cancer were estimated by areas, gender and age based on the quality data and the registered population data of Henan province in 2016. The epidemic trend of stomach cancer was also been evaluated based on the age-standardized incidence and mortality by Chinese population (ASR China) from 2010 to 2016. Results: In 2016, the estimated incident cases of stomach cancer were 44 311. The incidence was 41.07/100 000, ASR China was 30.17/100 000, ASR by world population (ASR world) was 30.36/100 000, and the cumulative incidence rate was 3.84%. The incidences of male and female were 55.65/100 000 and 25.35/100 000, respectively. Meanwhile, 32 927 people died of stomach cancer in Henan. The mortality was 30.52/100 000, ASR China was 21.45/100 000, ASR world was 21.54/100 000, and the cumulative mortality was 2.53%. From 2010 to 2016, both the ASR China for incidence and mortality of stomach cancer in Henan showed a steady downward trend. In rural, the ASR China for incidence and mortality decreased rapidly, while the stable trend was observed in urban. Nevertheless, the incidence and mortality of stomach cancer in rural were still higher than those in urban. Conclusions: The incidence and mortality of stomach cancer in Henan province showed steadily declining trend from 2010 to 2016, and the geographical distribution difference between rural and urban areas was gradually narrowing. However, the disease burden was still high in 2016.

Aspectos clinicoepidemiológicos, endoscópicos e histológicos en ancianos con cáncer gástrico / Some clinical-epidemiological, endoscopic and histological aspects in elderly with gastric cancer

Introducción: El cáncer gástrico ocupa el quinto lugar en incidencia de todos los tipos de neoplasias malignas y la segunda causa de muerte por cáncer en el mundo, pues la mayoría de los pacientes presentan más de 60 años de edad al ser diagnosticados. Objetivo: Caracterizar a ancianos con cáncer gástrico según variables de interés. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional y descriptivo, de serie de casos, de 56 pacientes mayores de 60 años con diagnóstico endoscópico e histológico de cáncer gástrico, quienes fueron ingresados en el Hospital Provincial Clínico-Quirúrgico Docente Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba, en el período 2016-2019. Resultados: En la serie predominaron los ancianos de 60-69 años de edad (46,4 %), principalmente del sexo masculino (67,8 %), y los síntomas más frecuentes fueron la epigastralgia (82,1 %) y la saciedad precoz (67,8 %). Entre las características más relevantes de las lesiones tumorales figuraron la localización antropilórica (55,3 %), la forma ulcerada en la endoscopia (51,7 %) y la variedad hística adenocarcinoma moderadamente diferenciado (43,4 %); asimismo, se determinó la existencia de Helicobacter pylori en 52,5 % de los resultados anatomopatológicos de las biopsias. Conclusiones: Resulta importante considerar la presencia de un adenocarcinoma gástrico en los pacientes mayores de 60 años que refieran síntomas digestivos, sobre todos si son hombres y padecen epigastralgia, más aún si al realizarle la esofagogastroduodenoscopia se observa una lesión ulcerada de localización antropilórica.

Introduction: Gastric cancer occupies the fifth place in incidence among all types of malignancies and is the second cause of death in the world, as most of the patients are more than 60 years when being diagnosed. Objective: To characterize aged patients according to variables of interests. Methods: An observational, descriptive and series of cases study was carried out in 56 patients older than 60 years with endoscopic and histologic diagnosis of gastric cancer, who were admitted in Saturnino Lora Teaching Provincial Clinical-Surgical Hospital, during 2016-2019. Results: Elderly in the age group 60-69 years predominated (46.4 %), mainly of the male sex (67.8 %), and the most frequent symptoms were epigastralgia (82.1 %) and the early fullness sensation (67.8 %). Among the most relevant characteristics of the tumoral lesions there were the antropiloric location (55.3 %), the ulcerated presentation in the endoscopy (51.7 %), and the histic variety mildly differentiated adenocarcinoma (43.4 %), likewise, the existence of Helicobacter pylori was confirmed in 52,5 % of the pathological biopsy results. Conclusions: It is interesting to consider the presence of a gastric adenocarcinoma in patients older than 60 years expressing gastric symptoms, mainly if they are men or suffer from epigastralgia, even more if when carrying out the esophagogastroduodenoscopy, an ulcerated lesion of antropiloric location is observed.

Helicobacter pylori and colorectal neoplasms: a concise review / Helicobacter pylori e neoplasias colorretais: revisão concisa

ABSTRACT Helicobacter pylori is the main etiological agent of all malignant tumors caused by an infectious disease. It is a major, at times dominant, factor in the pathogenesis of a large spectrum of diseases such as acute and chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastric carcinoma, and lymphoma. Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that H. pylori chronic infection may be related to different extragastric diseases, including colorectal neoplasms. This concise review aims to explore the association of H. pylori infection with colorectal cancer and adenoma, including the recent epidemiological findings, the diagnostic methods employed to detect H. pylori and virulent factors, and the potentially involved mechanisms. Furthermore, is attempted to establish the current data integration for causal inference using the Bradford-Hill causality criteria. The weak, although global, strength of the epidemiological positive association between H. pylori infection and colonic neoplasms associated to new mechanisms postulated to explain this interaction, including intestinal dysbiosis, should stimulate future studies. Prospective confirmatory studies to establish the role of H. pylori eradication in the process of carcinogenic transformation of the colonic epithelium may define its eventual role in the treatment and prevention of colonic neoplasms.

RESUMO Helicobacter pylori é o principal agente etiológico dos tumores malignos causados por doenças infecciosas. Constitui fator importante, às vezes dominante, na patogênese de um amplo espectro de doenças como gastrite aguda e crônica, úlceras gástricas e duodenais, carcinoma gástrico e linfoma. Estudos epidemiológicos e experimentais sugerem que a infecção crônica por H. pylori pode estar relacionada a diferentes doenças extragástricas, incluindo neoplasias colorretais. Esta concisa revisão tem como objetivo explorar a associação da infecção por H. pylori com câncer colorretal e adenoma, incluindo os recentes achados epidemiológicos, os métodos de diagnóstico empregados para detectar H. pylori e seus fatores de virulência com os mecanismos potencialmente envolvidos nesta relação. Além disso, procura-se estabelecer a integração dos dados atuais na busca de inferência causal com o emprego dos critérios de causalidade de Bradford-Hill. A associação epidemiológica positiva entre infecção por H. pylori e neoplasias do cólon embora classificada como fraca - porém global - do ponto de vista epidemiológico, quando associada a mecanismos recentemente postulados para explicar essa interação, incluindo disbiose intestinal, deverá estimular a realização de investigações futuras. Estudos prospectivos confirmatórios para estabelecer o papel da erradicação do H. pylori no processo de transformação carcinogênica do epitélio do cólon são aguardados para definir seu eventual papel no tratamento e prevenção de neoplasias do cólon.

Analysis of endoscopic and pathological features of gastric adenomatous polyps and risk factors for canceration / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the endoscopic and pathological characteristics of gastric adenomatous polyps and to assess the potential risk factors for canceration of gastric adenomatous polyps.@*METHODS@#The endoscopic and pathological characteristics of the patients with gastric adenomatous polyps from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2019 were summarized retrospectively, and the risk factors of canceration were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 125 patients with gastric adenomatous polyps were included, 51.20% of whom were females. The average age was (66.7±12.3) years. 64.80% of patients with gastric adenomatous polyps equal or more than 65 years old, and only 5.60% of the patients less than 45 years old. Adenomatous polyps were mostly distributed in the corpus and antrum with 40.80% and 32.80%, respectively. The majority of them were single (90.40%) and sessile (76.81%). 65.4% of adenomatous polyps were no more than 1.0 cm in diameter, and 23.20% of patients with adenomatous polyps were combined with hyperplastic polyps and/or fundus glandular polyps, and 1.60% had both pathological types of polyps. 58.62% (17/29) patients with hyperplastic polyps and/or fundus glandular polyps had multiple polyps. 1.60% (2/125) of the patients had gastric neuroendocrine tumor of G1 stage. Synchronous gastric cancer was detected in 13.60% (17/125) of the patients with adenomatous polyps, and the proportion of low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia was 18.40% (23/125). The main types of synchronous gastric cancer were progressive (70.59%) and undifferentiated (66.67%). Chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia was found in 52.80% of the patients, and autoimmune gastritis accounted for 11.20%. The positive rate of Helicobacter pylori was 21.60%. The canceration rate of gastric adenomatous polyps was 20.80%. The cancer was mainly differentiated, but there was sigmoid ring cell carcinoma as well. Diameter of >1.0 cm (OR=5.092, 95%CI: 1.447-17.923, P=0.011), uneven surface morphology and erosion (OR=13.749, 95%CI: 1.072-176.339, P=0.044) were independent risk factors of adenomatous polyps.@*CONCLUSION@#The synchronous gastric cancer is common and the canceration of gastric adenomatous polyps is high with diameter and surface morphology as independent risk factors. We should pay attention to the identification of the pathological types of polyps and the evaluation of the whole gastric mucosa during the endoscopic examination.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the surgical treatment of gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been recognized as one of the most serious public health crises. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term impact of the pandemic on the surgical treatment of patients with gastric cancer (GC) in addition to their clinicopathological characteristics. We also verified adherence to the COVID-19 screening protocol adopted in the institution. METHODS: All patients with GC who underwent surgical treatment between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively evaluated and divided into two groups according to the time period: control group (2015-2019) and COVID group (2020-2021). The institutional protocol recommends that patients referred for surgery undergo RT-PCR for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. RESULTS: A total of 83 patients were classified into the COVID group and 535 into the control group. The number of surgical procedures performed in the control group was 107 (SD±23.8) per year. Diagnostic procedures (p=0.005), preoperative chemotherapy (p<0.001), and adenocarcinomas without Lauren's subtype (p=0.009) were more frequent in the COVID group than in the control group. No significant difference was observed in the pathological characteristics and surgical outcomes of curative GC between the two groups. Evaluation of protocol compliance showed that of 83 patients with GC in the COVID group, 19 (22.9%) were not tested for COVID-19 before surgery. Two patients tested positive for COVID-19 (one preoperative and one postoperative). CONCLUSION: A decrease in the average number of surgeries and a higher frequency of diagnostic procedures occurred during the pandemic than in the previous time period. Tumor/node/metastasis classification, morbidity rates, and mortality rates in patients with GC during the pandemic did not differ from those in the previous time period. Accordingly, GC surgical treatment with acceptable screening protocol compliance could be safely performed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comportamiento clínico, endoscópico e histológico del cáncer gástrico diagnosticado en el Hospital "Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy" / Histological, endoscopic and clinical behavior of gastric cancer diagnosed in the Hospital "Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy"

RESUMEN Introducción: en los últimos años, se aprecia a nivel global un aumento del cáncer gástrico. La mayoría de los tumores gástricos primarios son malignos. En Matanzas, existe un incremento de esta patología. Objetivo: determinar el comportamiento clínico, endoscópico e histológico del cáncer gástrico diagnosticado. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y prospectivo en el Departamento de Gastroenterología del Hospital "Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy", de la ciudad de Matanzas, en el período de enero del 2017 a octubre del 2019. El universo fue 25 pacientes que presentaron cáncer gástrico por diagnóstico endoscópico e histológico. Resultados: el grupo de edad más afectado correspondió a los pacientes entre 61 y 70 años, (44 %). El sexo masculino predominó en un 68 %. Los factores de riesgo de mayor incidencia, fueron la dieta inadecuada y el hábito de fumar. Las manifestaciones clínicas más relevantes fueron: epigastralgia, plenitud gástrica y pérdida de peso. La variedad hística que predominó fue el adenocarcinoma difuso y la localización el antro. Conclusiones: el cáncer gástrico constituye un problema de salud que, al actuar sobre los factores de riesgo se puede disminuir su incidencia; con un diagnóstico precoz se logrará disminuir la mortalidad (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: an increase of gastric cancer is appreciated in the world in the last years. Most of the primary gastric tumors are malignant. There is an increase of this disease also in Matanzas. Objective: to determine the histological, endoscopic and clinical behavior of the diagnosed gastric cancer. Materials and methods: a prospective, descriptive and observational study was carried out in the Department of Gastroenterology of the Hospital "Mario Munoz Monroy, of Matanzas, in the period from January 2017 to October 2019. The universe were 25 patients presenting gastric cancer by histologic and endoscopic diagnosis. Results: The most affected age group was the one of patients among 61 and 70 years old (44 %). Male sex predominated in 68 %. The risk factors having higher incidence were an inadequate diet and smoking. The more relevant clinical manifestation were epigastralgia, gastric fullness and weight loss. The predominating tissue variety was the diffuse adenocarcinoma and antrum location. Conclusions: gastric cancer is a health problem the incidence of which could be reduced when acting on its risk factors; with a precocious diagnosis mortality will be reduced (AU).

Helicobacter pylori y cáncer gástrico / Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer

Introducción: El Helicobacter pylori se ha relacionado con el desarrollo de gastritis crónica atrófica, metaplasia intestinal y displasia, lesiones que pueden evolucionar a carcinoma gástrico. Existen investigaciones que demuestran que la erradicación de esta bacteria disminuye el riesgo de progresión histopatológica de las lesiones preneoplásicas, excepto la metaplasia intestinal y la displasia. Se realizó una revisión de los artículos publicados en las bases de datos Pubmed, Scielo, Medline y Cochrane, relacionados con el tema. Objetivo: Profundizar en los conocimientos relacionados con la infección por Helicobacter pylori y cáncer gástrico. Desarrollo: El adenocarcinoma es el tumor gástrico más frecuente y el Helicobacter pylori es el agente etiológico principal. En poblaciones de riesgo elevado, el adenocarcinoma gástrico de tipo intestinal, se precede de lesiones preneoplásicas (atrofia, metaplasia intestinal y displasia) que evoluciona al cáncer invasor. Conclusiones: Helicobacter pylori favorece la carcinogénesis gástrica, aunque existen otros factores de riesgo para el surgimiento del cáncer gástrico como son: la historia familiar, la pobre ingestión de frutas y vegetales y el bajo nivel socioeconómico(AU)

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori has been linked to the development of chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia, lesions that can progress to gastric carcinoma. There is research showing that the eradication of this bacterium reduces the risk of histopathological progression of preneoplastic lesions, except for intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia. A bibliographic review was made of the articles published in the Pubmed, Scielo, Medline and Cochrane data bases, related to the topic, belonging to authors dedicated to the study of this problem. Objective: To go deepen in the knowledge related to Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer. Development: Adenocarcinoma is the most frequent gastric tumor and Helicobacter pylori is the main etiologic agent. In high-risk populations, gastric adenocarcinoma of the intestinal type, is preceded by preneoplasic lesions (atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia), that progresses to invasive cancer. Conclusions: Helicobacter pylori favors gastric carcinogenesis, although there are other risk factors for the development of gastric cancer such as: family history, poor intake of fruits and vegetables, and low socioeconomic leve(AU)

Impacto del virus Epstein Barr en el cáncer gástrico en el Perú / Impact of the Epstein Barr virus on gastric cancer in Peru

El virus de Epstein Barr (VEB) es responsable del 10% del cáncer gástrico (CG) y se correlaciona con mejor tasa de sobrevida. En Perú, no existen estudios sobre prevalencia y características clínicas de CG VEB positivo. Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia y las características clínico patológicas del CG VEB positivo. Materiales y métodos: 111 muestras de GC fueron examinadas centralmente por hibridización cromogénica in situ del RNA del VEB (EBER CISH). Resultados: El 8,4% de los casos fueron positivos para VEB. La mayoría de los casos VEB positivos tuvieron más de 60 años, varones y la localización, antro / píloro fue la más frecuente. La mayoría de los casos fueron de tipo intestinal y un patrón tubular con una tendencia a un mejor pronóstico en comparación con los casos de VEB negativo. Conclusión: CG VEB positivo es una entidad con una prevalencia de 8,4% en Perú con características clínicas y morfológicas distintivas.

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is responsible of 10% of Gastric Cancer (GC), correlating with better survival rates. In Peru, there were not studies about prevalence and clinical characteristics of CG EBV positive. Objective: Determine prevalence and clinicopathological characteristics of GC EBV positive. Materials and methods: 111 GC tumour samples were centrally screened by Chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) technique for EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) transcript. Results: 8.4% of cases were positive for EBV. Most cases EBV positive were more than 60 years old; male, antrum/pylorus had more frequent localizations. Most cases had an intestinal type and tubular patter and a tendency to better prognostic in comparison EBV negative cases. Conclusion: EBV positive GC is an entity with a prevalence of 8.4% in Peru with distinctive clinical and morphological characteristics.

Gênero, idade, achados endoscópicos, urease e Helicobacter pylori: ausência de correlação dentro de uma amostra de população com alta prevalência de câncer gástrico na Amazônia / Gender, age, endoscopic findings, urease and helicobacter pylori: all uncorrelated within a sample of a high gastric cancer prevalence population in amazon

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: It is widely assumed that gender, age, gastritis and Helicobacter pylori , all have some degree of correlation and, therefore, can synergistically lead to the development of gastric cancer. OBJECTIVE: In this cross-sectional study, we expected to observe the above mentioned correlation in the analysis of medical records of 67 patients of both sexes (female, n=44), mean age ± standard deviation: 41±12 years old, all from Belém (capital of Pará State, Brazilian Amazon), a city historically known as one with the highest gastric cancer prevalence in this country. METHODS: All patients were submitted to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for gastric biopsy histopathological analysis and rapid urease test. All diagnoses of gastritis were recorded considering its topography, category and the degree of inflammatory activity, being associated or not associated with H. pylori infection. RESULTS: The results show that no statistically relevant associations were found among the prevalences of the observed variables. CONCLUSION: The authors hypothesize that observed risk factors associated to gastric cancer might be lesser synergistic than is usually expected.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: É amplamente assumido que gênero, idade, gastrite e Helicobacter pylori , todos têm algum grau de correlação e, portanto, podem sinergicamente levar ao desenvolvimento de câncer gástrico. OBJETIVO: Neste estudo transversal, esperamos observar a correlação acima mencionada na análise de prontuários de 67 pacientes de ambos os sexos (sexo feminino, n=44), média de idade ± desvio padrão: 41±12 anos, todos de Belém (capital do Estado do Pará, Amazônia Brasileira), uma cidade historicamente conhecida como sendo uma das que apresenta maior prevalência de câncer gástrico no país. MÉTODOS: Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à endoscopia digestiva alta para análise histopatológica da biópsia gástrica e teste rápido da urease. Todos os diagnósticos de gastrite foram registrados considerando sua topografia, categoria e grau de atividade inflamatória, sendo associada ou não associada à infecção por H. pylori . RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostram que não foram encontradas associações estatisticamente relevantes entre as prevalências das variáveis observadas. CONCLUSÃO: Os autores levantam a hipótese de que os fatores de risco associados ao câncer gástrico podem ser menos sinérgicos do que o esperado.

La microbiota según la topografía gástrica en pacientes con bajo y con alto riesgo de cáncer gástrico en Nariño, Colombia / Microbiota according to gastric topography in patients with low or high risk of gastric cancer in Nariño, Colombia

Resumen Introducción. La inflamación del antro gástrico por Helicobacter pylori aumenta el riesgo de úlcera duodenal, y la del cuerpo gástrico puede producir gastritis atrófica e incrementar la probabilidad de cáncer gástrico. Estas reacciones inflamatorias diferenciadas según su localización, podrían explicarse por la composición de la microbiota gástrica asociada con H. pylori. Objetivo. Identificar y comparar la microbiota del antro y del cuerpo del estómago en individuos de dos poblaciones: una con alto riesgo y otra con bajo riesgo de cáncer gástrico en Nariño, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se incluyeron biopsias del cuerpo y el antro gástrico de pacientes con gastritis no atrófica o con gastritis atrófica y metaplasia. La microbiota se definió por secuenciación de la región V3-V4 del gen 16S del ARNr de H. pylori (illumina-MiSeq™). Las unidades taxonómicas operativas se clasificaron utilizando las bases de datos BLASTn y RDPII. Las diferencias entre las poblaciones microbianas del antro y del cuerpo gástrico se evaluaron mediante el análisis de varianza multivariado con base en permutaciones (Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance, PERMANOVA) y análisis multivariados. Resultados. La clase Epsilonproteobacteria representada por H. pylori fue más abundante en las biopsias del antro y del cuerpo de los individuos con gastritis no atrófica (>50 %), en tanto que, en los individuos con gastritis no atrófica, esta clase correspondió al 20 % con una mayor diversidad metagenómica. La infección por H. pylori disminuyó significativamente la diversidad metagenómica del antro (p=0,005), en comparación con la del cuerpo gástrico. Conclusiones. Los grupos bacterianos involucrados en la disbacteriosis pueden colonizar ambas regiones topográficas del estómago, independientemente de las reacciones sectorizadas de inflamación. La infección por H. pylori asociada con la microbiota gástrica está relacionada con su localización en el estómago, el tipo de lesión y el mayor o menor riesgo de cáncer gástrico, lo que sugiere su importancia en la disbacteriosis y la de esta en la enfermedad gástrica.

Abstract Introduction: Inflammation in the gastric antrum caused by Helicobacter pylori increases the risk of duodenal ulcer while inflammation in the body generates atrophic gastritis and increased risk of gastric cancer. These inflammatory responses according to gastric topography could be explained by the composition of the gastric microbiota associated with H. pylori. Objective: To identify and compare the microbiota of the gastric antrum and body of individuals from two populations, one with high risk and one with low risk of gastric cancer from Nariño, Colombia. Materials and methods: Biopsies of the gastric antrum and body of patients with non-atrophic gastritis or metaplastic atrophic gastritis were included. The microbiota was defined by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene, V3-V4 region, (illumina-MiSeq™). The operational taxonomic units were classified using the BLASTn and RDPII databases. The differences among microbial populations were evaluated with the PERMANOVA and multivariate analyses. Results: The Epsilonproteobacteria class represented by H. pylori was more abundant in the antrum and body biopsies of individuals with metaplastic atrophic gastritis (>50%) while in individuals with non-atrophic gastritis it was 20 % and had greater metagenomic diversity. Helicobacter pylori infection significantly decreases the metagenomic diversity of the gastric antrum (p=0.005) compared to that of the body. Conclusions: The bacterial groups involved in the dysbiosis can colonize both topographic regions of the stomach, regardless of the sectorized inflammation responses. Helicobacter pylori infection associated with the gastric microbiota is related to its localization in the stomach, the type of lesion, and the population at risk of gastric cancer, which suggests its importance in microbial dysbiosis and gastric disease.

Prevalencia de tipos histológicos de pólipos gástricos en pacientes adultos de un hospital público de Lima-Perú, en el periodo 2007 al 2016 / Prevalence of histological types of gastric polyps in adult patients from a public hospital in Lima-Peru (2007 - 2016)

Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de pólipos gástricos detectados mediante endoscopía digestiva alta, en pacientes mayores de 18 años del Hospital Cayetano Heredia, en el periodo 2007-2016. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de corte transversal, realizado con datos de biopsias gástricas de pacientes sometidos a endoscopía digestiva alta entre enero de 2007 y julio de 2016. Se evaluó cambios histológicos asociados, datos demográficos y características endoscópicas, las cuales fueron sometidas a análisis estadístico mediante STATA v14.2. Resultados: En una población de 16 552 endoscopías realizadas, se encontró 407 biopsias compatibles con pólipos gástricos, lo cual da una prevalencia de 2,5%. Los pólipos gástricos fueron más frecuentes en mujeres (62,38%). La mediana de edad fue de 61 años (52-71 años). El tipo histológico más frecuente fue el pólipo glandular fúndico (PGF) (44,85%), seguido de pólipo hiperplásico (38,48%) y adenomatoso (15,23%). La localización más frecuente fue en fondo/cuerpo (48,65%, p=0,001) Se detectó la presencia de Helicobacter pylori (Hp) en el 30,6% de las biopsias compatibles con pólipos. Conclusión: La prevalencia de pólipos gástricos es similar con otras regiones del mundo; los PGF e hiperplásicos son los más frecuentes. Los pólipos adenomatosos estuvieron en mayor relación a cambios como metaplasia y displasia.

Objectives: Establish the prevalence of gastric polyps detected by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients older than 18 years old during the period from 2007 - 2016 in Cayetano Heredia Hospital. Materials and methods: Retrospective cross- sectional study, performed with data from the gastric biopsies reports of patients that have undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopy between January 2007 and July 2016. Demographic data, endoscopic characteristics of the polyps and associated histological changes of the surrounding gastric mucosa were evaluated, which were subjected to statistical analysis using STATA v14.2. Results: In a population of 16 552 endoscopies, 407 gastric polyps biopsies were found. These results give a prevalence of 2.5% .Gastric polyps were detected predominantly in women (62.38%). The median age was 61 years (52-71 years). The most frequent histological type was the fundic gland polyp (FGP) (44.85%), followed by the hyperplastic (38.48%) and adenomatous (15.23%) polyp. The most frequent location was in the fundus / corpus (48.65%, p = 0.001). The presence of Hp was detected in 30.6% of the biopsies with polyps. Conclusion: The prevalence of gastric polyps is similar to other regions of the world; PGF and hyperplastic are the most frequent. Adenomatous polyps showed a greater relationship with and metaplasia and dysplasia.

Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes con cáncer gástrico localmente avanzado o metastásico en Argentina / Retrospective analysis of patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer in Argentina

OBJETIVO Describir las características clínicas, los patrones de tratamiento y los costos asociados en pacientes con cáncer gástrico localmente avanzado o metastásico en Argentina, en los sectores público y privado. MÉTODOS Una cohorte histórica de pacientes que recibieron tratamiento de quimioterapia de primera línea (análogo de platino y/o una fluoropirimidina) y fueron seguidos durante al menos tres meses después de la última administración de un agente citotóxico de primera línea fueron elegibles. Se extrajeron los datos a través de un cuestionario estructurado a partir de los registros médicos de cuatro hospitales argentinos. Las estimaciones de los costos de tratamiento también se calcularon utilizando los costos unitarios de los hospitales participantes. RESULTADOS Entre los 101 pacientes, más de tres cuartas partes (79,2%) eran hombres, 41,6% fueron diagnosticados con enfermedad metastásica en estadio IV, la edad media fue de 57,7 años y el 27,7% tenían antecedentes de tabaquismo. Antes del diagnóstico de cáncer gástrico metastásico, el 42,4% de los pacientes habían recibido gastrectomía total. El 97% de los pacientes recibió una terapia doble o triplete, de los cuales el tratamiento más frecuente fue la epirubicina en combinación con oxaliplatino y capecitabina (38%), seguida de capecitabina + oxaliplatino (29%). Alrededor del 36% de los pacientes respondieron al tratamiento de primera línea (respuesta completa y parcial). Del 76,2% de los pacientes que siguieron un tratamiento de segunda línea, al 37,7% todavía se les administró un análogo de platino y/o fluoropirimidina. Durante el período de seguimiento, el 50% de los pacientes progresó y el 32,8% tenía enfermedad estable. La terapia de apoyo consistió principalmente en visitas ambulatorias después de la última línea de quimioterapia (16,8%), radioterapia paliativa (16,8%) y cirugía (30,7%). Se observaron diferencias significativas entre los costos de los hospitales públicos y privado. CONCLUSIONES Comprender los patrones de tratamiento en pacientes con cáncer gástrico localmente avanzado o metastásico puede ayudar a abordar las necesidades médicas no satisfechas para un mejor manejo del paciente y la mejora de sus resultados clínicos en Argentina.

AIM To assess patient and disease characteristics, treatment patterns and associated costs in patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer in Argentina, in the public and private sectors. METHODS A historic cohort of patients who had received first-line chemotherapy treatment (platinum analog and/or a fluoropyrimidine) and were followed-up for at least three months after the last administration of a first-line cytotoxic agent were eligible. Case-report forms were prepared based on medical records from four Argentinian hospitals. Estimates of treatment costs were also calculated using the unit costs of the participating hospitals. RESULTS Of 101 patients, more than three quarters (79.2%) were male, 41.6% were diagnosed with metastatic stage IV disease (mean age, 57.7years), and 27.7 % had a smoking history. Before locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer diagnosis, 42.4% of the patients had received total gastrectomy. Ninety-seven percent of the patients received a doublet or triplet therapy, of which epirubicin in combination with oxaliplatin and capecitabine was the most common treatment (38%), followed by capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (29%). Around 36% of the patients responded to first-line treatment (complete and partial response). Out of the 76.2% of the patients who followed a second-line treatment, 37.7% were still administered a platinum analog and/or fluoropyrimidine. During the reported follow-up period, 50% of the patients progressed, and 32.8% had stable disease. The best supportive care consisted mostly of outpatient visits after last-line therapy (16.8%), palliative radiotherapy (16.8%), and surgery (30.7%). We observed significant differences between public and private hospital costs. CONCLUSIONS Understanding treatment patterns in patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer may help address unmet medical needs for better patient management and improvement of their clinical outcome in Argentina.