The website of the Clinical Services Journal

Gastric cancer diagnosis: biomarker assessment

Graham Johnson introduces the first non-invasive test for assessing the structure and function of the stomach in patients presenting with dyspepsia.

This serological biomarker assay can be used in the primary care setting and also in secondary care as a pre-endoscopy assessment tool to ensure appropriate referral.

Dyspepsia is a common health issue in the UK, affecting 20–40% of the population.1 It is generally well managed by GPs in primary care, but in refractory cases or when patients present with more urgent symptoms it may indicate something potentially more sinister. Dyspepsia can signal diseases in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including atrophic gastritis (AG) or gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM), both of which are significant risk factors for gastric cancer 

Atrophic gastritis can be caused by a persistent Helicobacter pylori infection in the gastric mucosa or by autoimmune mechanisms, and 18% of cases progress to cancer within 10 years.2 H. pylori is a class 1 (carcinogenic) pathogen and dyspeptic patients can be tested for the bacterium in primary care under current patient care pathways. For some patients with new onset of dyspepsia or alarm symptoms, referral for endoscopy is common, which is invasive and a huge cost burden to the healthcare system.

Log in or register FREE to read the rest

This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text. If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
Register

Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club Annual Scientific Meeting

Crowne Plaza, Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 4th April 2023

DECON UK 2023

Hilton Birmingham Metropole
18th April 2023

Infection Prevention and Control 2023

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
25th - 26th April 2023

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club Annual Scientific Meeting

Crowne Plaza, Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 4th April 2023

DECON UK 2023

Hilton Birmingham Metropole
18th April 2023

Infection Prevention and Control 2023

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
25th - 26th April 2023

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999 Fax: 01892 616177
www.step-communications.com
© 2023 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025