Colorectal cancer risk in East Asian patients with Helicobacter pylori infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the relationship between H pylori infection and colorectal cancer risk in East Asian patients. METHODS: Two researchers independently searched for relevant studies in the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases from inception up to April 2022. A meta-analysis was then performed to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random effects model. RESULTS: Nine studies involving 6355 patients were included. Overall, we observed that H pylori infection was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer in East Asian patients (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.10-1.99, I2 = 70%), although significant heterogeneity was identified among studies. Subgroup analysis revealed that H pylori infection was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer in China (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.05-2.37, I2 = 81%) but not in Japan and Korea (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 0.93-1.70, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis identified a positive association between H pylori infection and colorectal cancer risk in East Asian patients, especially in China.