title: Gastric cancer surveillance in a high-risk population in tuscany (Central Italy): preliminary results.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The surveillance of subjects at high risk for developing gastric cancer (GC) may represent an effective strategy for reducing specific morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to identify GC at its initial phase and to identify precancerous lesions in a group of GC high-risk subjects.
  
  
  METHODS
  We enrolled first-degree relatives of patients affected by GC who resided in a GC high-risk area (Tuscany, Central Italy). The study's protocol included the collection of several individual measurements, including a blood sample for the determination of specific biomarkers, an upper digestive tract endoscopy with detailed gastric biopsies and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) treatment followed by a specific check.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We enrolled 167 subjects who were members of 128 different familial groups with GC history. We identified 1 case of initial-phase GC, 1 gastric dysplasia type II, 32 intestinal metaplasia, 10 gastric atrophy, and 21 atrophic chronic gastritis. 81 subjects were Hp-positive and underwent eradication therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study of a GC high-risk Italian population reveals positive results in terms of population compliance, the identification of specific gastric lesions requiring close follow-up and successful therapy for Hp infection. To define future surveillance strategies, a longer follow-up of these patients is necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Mugello New Hospital, ASL10, Borgo San Lorenzo, Italy. alessandro.filomena @ asf.toscana.it
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Filomena
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Saieva
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lucchetti
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Santacroce
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Falorni
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Francini
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Carrieri
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zini
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ridolfi
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Belli
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Orsini
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mandi
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Palli
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Scheggi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001706:Biopsy; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010435:Pepsinogens / Q000097:blood; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D010435:Pepsinogens