Molecular Analysis of the Progression fromHelicobacter pylori–Associated Chronic Gastritis to Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid-Tissue Lymphoma of the Stomach

Abstract

Several lines of evidence suggest a link between chronic gastritis due to Helicobacter pylori and mucosa-associated lymphoid-tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the stomach.1,2 A close epidemiologic association has been reported.3–5 The microorganism can be found in the gastric mucosa in nearly all cases, and regression of low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma has been demonstrated after the eradication of H. pylori. 6,7 The suggested progression from H. pylori–associated chronic gastritis to overt MALT lymphoma8 has not been formally demonstrated, although if it exists, such a mechanism may have important implications for the treatment of H. pylori–associated gastritis. Each B . . .