Association between Helicobacter pylori Infection and the types of Tumor Markers among Yemeni Gastric Cancer Patients: A Case-Control Study

Background Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a significant risk factor for gastric cancer, particularly in developing countries like Yemen, where the prevalence is high. This study aims to investigate the relationship between H. pylori infection and types of tumor markers (CEA and CA19-9) among Yemeni gastric cancer patients, comparing the frequency of these markers in patients with and without H. pylori infection. Methods A case-control study was conducted in Sana’a, Yemen, between January 2022 and December 2023. A total of 170 gastric cancer patients were enrolled, divided into two groups: 85 patients with H. pylori infection (cases) and 85 without (controls). Serum levels of CEA and CA19-9 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The frequency of CEA and CA19-9 was measured in both groups. The median CEA levels were 7.05 ng/mL in H. pylori positive group and 7.14 ng/mL in negative group. The median CA19-9 levels were 33 U/mL in H. pylori positive group and 32 U/mL in negative group. No significant differences were found in the serum levels of CEA (p = 0.44) or CA19-9 (p = 0.94) between the two groups. However, a significant association was observed between H. pylori infection and gastric cancer site in cardia and fundus regions (p = 0.047). Conclusion This study found no significant association between H. pylori infection and types of tumor markers (CEA and CA19-9) among Yemeni gastric cancer patients. However, the significant association between H. pylori infection and site of gastric cancer in cardia and fundus regions needs further investigations to reveal the associated mechanisms.