Cancer-fighting chewing gum cuts HPV levels by up to 93%
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed a specially engineered chewing gum made from lablab beans containing FRIL, an antiviral protein. In tests on oral samples from head and neck cancer patients, the gum extracts reduced HPV levels by up to 93% and nearly eliminated harmful bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, while preserving beneficial oral bacteria. The study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests potential use as an adjuvant therapy or preventive treatment alongside current cancer therapies.
Today we mainly use chewing gums to combat mouth bacteria, which mask and partially solve bad breath. So why not have them against viruses, especially the most dangerous ones like HPV that can cause cancer.
How does HPV differ from common oral bacteria in the context of cancer?
HPV is a virus that causes oropharyngeal cancer, whose incidence is rising globally. Unlike common oral bacteria, HPV is a primary oncogenic factor leading to aggressive head and neck cancer. While bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum worsen survival rates in untreated recurrent or metastatic oral cancer, HPV initiates malignancy.
What is the potential of bioengineered products in cancer prevention?
Bioengineered products like this specialized chewing gum can be used as prevention against infection and transmission of cancer-associated viruses and bacteria. They may complement existing treatments or serve as prophylaxis, particularly for high-risk patients, while preserving the healthy oral microbiome.
Why is it important to preserve beneficial bacteria during cancer treatment?
Beneficial oral bacteria play a role in normal oral function. Conventional therapies such as radiation can have unintended consequences by eliminating helpful bacteria while promoting growth of pathogenic Candida albicans yeast. The new chewing gum appears gentler on the natural oral microbiome during antimicrobial treatment.
- Insilico Medicine publishes clinical data showing AI-designed rentosertib rejuvenates patients — nature.com 71 % match
- Researchers develop electronic skin to sense temperature and pressure — news.wsu.edu 69 % match
- OpenAI plans doughnut-shaped smart speaker with camera and ChatGPT — notebookcheck.net 69 % match
- University of Pennsylvania
- Henry Daniell
- Scientific Reports
- HPV
- Porphyromonas gingivalis
- Fusobacterium nucleatum
- FRIL
- protegrin