Gastric cancer detection rates using GI endoscopy with serologic risk stratification: a randomized controlled trial

Background and aims Efforts have been made to develop an endoscopic screening system incorporating serological gastric cancer (GC) risk stratification (ABC classification) alongside annual population-based GC screening using barium. We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare GC detection rates between the Ba-Endo group, which underwent annual barium tests for primary screening followed by detailed endoscopic examinations, and the ABC-Endo group, where endoscopy intervals were determined based on individual gastric cancer risk in the ABC classification. Methods In total, 1,206 individuals from Yurihonjo and Nikaho city, Akita Prefecture, were randomized through the minimization method using sex and age as allocation factors. The intervention study was conducted for both groups over 5 years. The Ba-Endo group received annual barium tests, the ABC-Endo group underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at different intervals: group A (EGD only at entry), B (EGD once every 3 years), C (EGD once every 2 years), and D (EGD every year) respectively. Results There were 24 detected GC lesions, with a GC detection rate of 1.9%. GC detection rates in the Ba-Endo and ABC-Endo groups were 2.0% and 1.8%, respectively, with no significant differences between groups (P=1.0). However, the rate of GC cured by endoscopic resection alone was 41.6% in the Ba-Endo group and significantly higher at 90.9% in the ABC-Endo group (P=0.02). Conclusion There were no differences between Ba-Endo and ABC-Endo groups in GC detection rates. However, the rate of detected GCs that could be cured by endoscopic resection alone was significantly higher in the ABC-Endo group.