Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of the ratio between the B and A isoforms of the ?6 integrin in the diagnosis of diseases associated with an altered proliferation rate, such as cancer (especially a cancer of the gastro-intestinal track), in humans.

Abstract: This application relates to the use of agents such as expression vectors and nucleic acids encoding integrins ?6A or ?6B as well as antibodies specific for those integrins which are capable of modulating the ratio between the B and A isoforms of the ?6 integrin in the treatment of diseases associated with an altered proliferation rate, such as cancer. The application also relates to the use of the ratio between the B and A isoforms of the ?6 integrin in the diagnosis of diseases associated with an altered proliferation rate.