Efficacy of Helicobater pylori eradication in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the stomach: A systematic review

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.