Anti CagA antibody among patients with non-cardia gastric cancer in comparison with non-ulcer dyspepsia in an area with high incidence of gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between anti CagA antibody (Ab) and presence of gastric cancer.

METHODS: In a descriptive cross-sectional study during October 2003 to October 2005, in the Gastrointestinal Subspeciality Center in Razi Hospital, Rasht, Iran, we assessed anti-Helicobacter Ab immunoglobulin G (IgG) and anti CagA Ab IgG by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method in 52 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and 57 patients with nonulceric dyspepsia (NUD).

RESULTS: Among 52 patients with gastric cancer, anti-Helicobacter pylori Ab was negative in 13 (25%) and positive in 39 persons (75%). Among 57 patients with NUD, anti-Helicobacter pylori Ab was negative in 5 (8.5%) and positive in 52 patients (91.2%) (p=0.043). This significant difference did not remain after logistic regression for adjustment of confounders (p=0.068). The CagA Ab was positive in 22 (42.3%) patients with cancer and 32 (56.1%) of the NUD group. There was no difference in this regard before (p=0.212) and after (p=0.131) logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSION: Anti CagA Ab does not have a significant value as an independent predictive factor in gastric adenocarcinoma.