Published online Apr 15, 2017. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v9.i4.184
Peer-review started: October 13, 2016
First decision: November 14, 2016
Revised: December 14, 2016
Accepted: January 2, 2017
Article in press: January 3, 2017
Published online: April 15, 2017
Core tip: Latin America has a high burden of gastric cancer mortality, with significant geographical variability, which offers the opportunity for prevention trials and interventions. Recent trials and meta-analysis show that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication reduces the risk of gastric adenocarcinoma. H. pylori reinfection rates in Latin America are similar to those seen in Asian trials. Recurrent cases occur mostly within the first year suggesting treatment failure (re-growth), not reinfection. These findings were not significantly modified by diagnostic modality, the antibiotics selected, retreatment, or the time check for eradication success. Eradication programs are a potentially attractive strategy for gastric cancer prevention in Latin America.