Publication
Detection of Helicobacter pylori in patients with head and neck cancer: Results from a prospective comparative study combining serology, polymerase chain reaction, and rapid urease test
Journal Paper/Review - Jun 20, 2015
Morand Grégoire B, Fellmann Jonas, Laske Roman D, Weisert Jan U, Soltermann Alex, Zbinden Reinhard, Probst Rudolf, Huber Gerhard
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
Brief description/objective
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to evaluate prospectively the presence and impact of the gastric carcinogen Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the upper aerodigestive tract. Previous studies suggested it could represent a risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
METHODS
Serology, rapid urease test, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for H. pylori were performed in patients with head and neck cancer (N = 56) and cancer-free controls (N = 90). Comparison between groups was done using logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS
Rates of positive serology and rapid urease test did not differ between the 2 groups in logistic regression analysis (p = .677 and p = .633, respectively). Birth in a developing country and age above 50 years old were predictors of positive serology (p < .001 and p = .040, respectively). Using qPCR, no biopsy showed the presence of H. pylori.
CONCLUSION
This study challenges the concept that H. pylori may be a risk factor for HNSCC.