Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric MALT lymphoma.

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection is implicated in the development of two different gastric cancers: gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric MALT lymphoma. The association with the gastric MALT lymphoma is strong and causal. It is currently the only cancer which can be treated by a simple antibiotic treatment. However, the evolution of an H. pylori infection towards lymphoma is exceptional. Host susceptibility factors and environmental factors predisposing a patient to lymphoma have not yet been determined. The bacterial factors are currently being identified.