A stem cell indicator to bowel cancer could increase survival rates, it has been asserted.
In news that may be of interest to those conducting stem cell research, scientists from Durham University and the North East England Stem Cell Institute have developed a more accurate way of identifying aggressive forms of the disease.
As part of the study, tissue samples were examined from 700 colorectal patients and their progress was tracked.
It was discovered that those with a stem cell marker protein called Lamin A in their tissue were more likely to develop a severe form of the illness.
The researchers concluded that such evidence seen in early forms of bowel cancer could lead to the recommendation of chemotherapy alongside surgery, Eurekalert notes.
Funded by the Association for International Cancer Research and NHS Research and Development funds, the study is published in the open-access scientific journal Public Library of Science One.
UK charity Cancer Research has noted that almost three-quarters of bowel cancer cases occur in people aged 65 and over.
