Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have suggested a novel approach to fight colon cancer.

They centered their research on a group of signal proteins called EphB receptors.

These proteins excite the division of stem cells in the intestine and can add to the formation of adenoma (polyps), which are known to carry a risk of cancer.

But these same proteins also prevent the adenoma from producing unchecked and becoming cancerous.

The reserach including an international research team headed by Professor Jonas Frisen showed that EphB controls two separate signal pathways, one of which excites cell division and the other that restrains the cells' ability to become cancerous.

The scientists further recognised a drug substance called Imatinib, which can slow down the first signal pathway without upsetting the other, protective, pathway.

"Imatinib or a similar substance could possibly be used for preventing the development of cancer in people who are in the risk zone for colon cancer instead of intestinal resection," said Maria Genander, one of the researchers.

Imatinib has so far proved to restrain cell division in intestinal tumour cells in vitro and in mice. The substance is a part of the drug Glivec, which is used, amongst other things, in the treatment of certain forms of leukaemia.

Whether it can also be used against adenoma and colon cancer in humans has to be perceived.

The study is published in the journal Cell.