Apolinaria García is the Chilean scientist who managed to prevent stomach cancer.

The doctor Apolinaria García, professor at the Faculty of Biological Sciences of the University of Concepción, located in the Biobío region, has developed an innovative probiotic with the potential to transform the prevention of gastric cancer, a disease that has begun to occur more frequently in younger adults, despite traditionally affecting people over 65.

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His work focused on finding an effective solution against the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is present in the 95% of gastric cancer diagnoses worldwide. One of the most promising characteristics of the probiotic is its function as a natural shield. In Dr. García's words: "When you consume the probiotic, it covers the entire gastric epithelium, protecting it." This means that if a person ingests food or water contaminated with Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria cannot attach to the stomach mucosa, as the probiotic occupies that space beforehand. "Furthermore, the prebiotic strain will produce different substances that will kill it," the researcher added.

Another relevant aspect of the discovery is its effect on the immune system. Dr. García noted that the probiotic not only acts as a physical defense against the pathogen, but also functions as an immunobiotic, meaning it has the ability to positively influence the regulation of the human body's immune responses.

Overall, this development represents an important step in the fight against one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, and opens up new possibilities for more effective and accessible prevention strategies.

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With information from Meganoticias Chile

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