Stem cells may help beat colon cancer

ROME, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- An Italian research team says stem cells may help neutralize cells that undermine chemotherapy in patients with colon cancer.

The Palermo University researchers, led by Giorgio Stassi, have identified a stem cell called interleukin-4 that can make colon tumors "virtually invulnerable to attack from chemo," ANSA said Thursday.

The research, published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, found that the protective shield can be broken by using other molecules called IL-4 antagonists.

Stassi said injecting the antagonists into colon cancer cells greatly increased the efficacy of cancer treatment in lab animals. He said human trials will begin within a few months.