Gastric Cancer Chemoprevention

Abstract

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common neoplasia in the world and, in Brazil, it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. One of the main risk factors for gastric cancer is infection by Helicobacter pylori. Studies have shown that vegetables and fruits are important factors in gastric cancer prevention, since they are sources of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals (chemopreventives). This study aims to analyze the association of chemopreventives for gastric cancer prevention. A literature review was carried out by using electronic databases like Lilacs, Pubmed, SciELO, Periodicos Capes and printed sources, with the following keywords: chemoprevention, antioxidants, Allium vegetables, selenium, risk factors and gastric cancer. The time limit was 15 years of publication (1994 to 2009) in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Studies have shown that high intake or antioxidants plasma levels (carotenoids, vitamins C and E), vegetables of the genera Allium and selenium are associated with reduced risk of gastric cancer, tumor size inhibition and regression of precancerous lesions. In conclusion, chemoprevention plays an important role in gastric carcinogenesis inhibition; however, more studies are required to elucidate all mechanisms of both action and therapeutic dose.