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Cancer

Gastric Cancer Diagnosis and Management Disrupted by COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges of gastric cancer diagnosis and management worldwide. According to a recent study published in Diagnostics, a comparative analysis of gastric cancer cases in Western Romania found that the pandemic significantly impacted the stage of cancer diagnosis and the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection. The study, conducted by researchers from the "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, revealed that the proportion of advanced gastric cancer stages increased in the post-pandemic period, with 69.4% of cases diagnosed as Stage III-IVB compared to 53.3% pre-pandemic. The research also highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and the role of Helicobacter pylori infection in non-cardia gastric cancer.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in advanced gastric cancer stages, from 53.3% pre-pandemic to 69.4% in the post-pandemic period.
  • Helicobacter pylori infection was strongly linked to non-cardia gastric cancer, with 70.6% of cases positive for the infection.
  • The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in cardia gastric cancer increased post-pandemic, from 36.4% to 55.6%.
  • Delayed diagnostic endoscopy was associated with a higher proportion of advanced gastric cancer in the post-pandemic phase.
  • Patients on antithrombotic agents faced increased risks of gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • The study also highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and the role of Helicobacter pylori infection in gastric cancer management.

Statistics:

  • 69.4% of gastric cancer cases diagnosed in the post-pandemic period were at an advanced stage (Stage III-IVB).
  • 70.6% of non-cardia gastric cancer cases were positive for Helicobacter pylori infection.
  • The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in cardia gastric cancer increased from 36.4% pre-pandemic to 55.6% post-pandemic.
  • 1-year mortality was driven by advanced stage (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.74, p = 0.002), diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic (HR = 1.66, p = 0.010), and age 70 years (HR = 1.88, p = 0.043).

Sources:

  • Delayed Diagnosis and Evolving Trends in Gastric Cancer During and After COVID-19: A Comparative Study of Staging, * * Helicobacter pylori* * Infection and Bleeding Risk in Western Romania. Diagnostics, 2025,15(8):950.
  • http://www.mdpi.com/journal/diagnostics
  • MDPI AG
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/diagnostics15080950

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