For the first time in Latvia, the TOGAS study has been launched, with the first center opened in Rēzekne

Photo: Matīss Markovskis

The study will last until April 1, 2026, and aims to include 300-400 participants aged 30-34.
"The goal of the TOGAS project is to develop recommendations for the implementation of gastric cancer screening in EU countries. To achieve this, three large-scale pilot studies are being conducted, which over 36 months will develop various aspects of gastric cancer screening and early diagnosis," said Linda Mežmale, a researcher at the UL Clinical and Preventive Medicine Institute.
Such studies are necessary because Europe currently lacks an effective method for gastric cancer screening. Previous studies suggest that eliminating the stomach-dwelling bacteria Helicobacter pylori, which promotes the development of gastric cancer, could reduce the number of gastric cancer-related deaths by up to 40%. Therefore, it is crucial to find ways to implement this prevention in practice.

The pilot study "Detection and Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection in the Young Population" is part of the international project "Towards Gastric Cancer Screening Implementation in the European Union (TOGAS)," which aims to develop recommendations for the implementation of gastric cancer screening in the European Union (EU) countries. This pilot study will be conducted not only in Latvia but also in other EU countries (Slovenia, Ireland, Croatia, Poland, Romania).
The study aims to evaluate a population-based strategy for H. pylori testing and treatment in the young population for the prevention of gastric cancer. During the study, H. pylori detection and bacterial eradication will be performed on a group of residents aged 30-34. Based on the results obtained, the participation rate of the invited individuals in the study, the effectiveness of H. pylori eradication therapy, and its side effects will be assessed. The results of this study will provide essential information needed for developing and implementing a gastric cancer screening program strategy in the European Union. Experts from the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization will develop recommendations for the implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of gastric cancer prevention measures at the European level. The established guidelines and recommendations will help European countries include these gastric cancer prevention measures in their healthcare priorities.

The project "Towards Gastric Cancer Screening Implementation in the European Union (TOGAS)" has received funding from the European Union's EU4Health program under grant agreement No. 101101252.

The views and opinions expressed here reflect only the author's perspective and do not represent the position of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). The European Union and the funding authority bear no responsibility for them.