Construction of a Prognostic Risk Model for <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> Infection in Gastric Cancer Patients and Immunological Analysis

BACKGROUND: Gastric carcinoma poses a significant global health challenge, often diagnosed late due to its similarity to chronic gastric conditions. Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection plays a crucial role in gastric carcinogenesis through inflammation and the release of virulent products. AIM: This study aimed to identify Hp infection-related genes associated with gastric cancer prognosis and to develop a prognostic risk model that can predict patient outcomes, characterize the tumor immune microenvironment, and evaluate potential responses to immunotherapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, multiple GEO datasets with Hp infection were analyzed to identify genes associated with gastric cancer prognosis. A predictive risk scoring model comprising nine genes related to Hp infection and gastric cancer prognosis was constructed and validated. The prognostic model demonstrated its efficacy in predicting prognosis, correlating with clinical characteristics, functional enrichment, immune cell infiltration, genomic mutations, and immune regulator expression. Additionally, analysis of immune therapy response suggested the potential prognostic effect of markers in gastric cancer immune response. CONCLUSIONS: These findings offer valuable insights into gastric cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy, paving the way for improved patient outcomes.