Objectives: The role of Helicobater pylori eradication in the treatment of high-grade diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the stomach is unclear.
Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of currently available data. DLBCL-remission rate after eradication therapy, post-remission maintenance, and response rate in the case of additional oncological therapy were extracted.
Results: By considering data of seven studies, the DLBCL remission was achieved in 81 (53.3%; 95% CI = 45.3-61.2) out of 152 H. pylori eradicated patients. The regression rate did not differ between pure DLCBL and DLCBL with MALT component, between stage I and stage II disease, and between Caucasians and Asians. Disease regression was maintained in all patients after at a median of 63 months (range: 46-29) follow-up. In those non-responders, DLBLC remission after additional chemo-immunotherapy was achieved in 63 (98.4%; 95% CI = 95.4-100) out of 64 patients.
Conclusions: Data this systematic review suggest considering H. pylori eradication as first-line therapy to treat infected patients with early-stage, high-grade gastric lymphoma.
Keywords: Helicobacter pylori; chemo-immunotherapy; high-grade lymphoma; stomach.
© 2022 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.