Helicobacter pylori -related non-coding RNAs in gastric cancer screening: Emerging evidence and translational challenges

Gastric cancer (GC) has high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Due to the absence of noticeable symptoms, diagnosing GC at an early stage is very difficult, which consequently leads to advanced GC and poor prognosis. Effective biomarkers are essential for prolonging patients’ survival. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori ) infection represents the most significant risk factor for GC, with nearly all cases linked to this infection. Many non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are dysregulated in H. pylori -infected GC, indicating that ncRNAs may serve as biomarkers of early-stage GC. In this editorial, we discuss the study by Chen et al. Although previous studies have identified roles for miR-136 in gastric cancer proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion, none have specifically explored its relationship with H. pylori -associated gastric carcinogenesis.