Bioengineered chewing gum cuts HPV levels by 93% in oral cancer samples
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A bioengineered chewing gum reduced human papillomavirus levels by up to 93% in saliva samples from patients with head and neck cancer, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania reported. The gum also nearly eliminated two cancer-linked bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, while preserving beneficial oral microbes. The study was published August 4 in Scientific Reports.
The Need for New Approaches
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is an aggressive cancer with poor survival rates when detected late. Many recently approved cancer drugs have not significantly improved five-year survival or quality of life, according to Henry Daniell of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. HPV infection is a major driver of the global rise in oropharyngeal cancer, while Pg and Fn infections worsen outcomes even after surgery and adjuvant therapies.
Gum Extract Results
The researchers tested extracts from a bean gum containing the antiviral protein FRIL on oral samples from HNSCC patients. HPV levels fell by 93% in saliva samples and by 80% in oral rinse samples. After engineering the gum to include the antimicrobial peptide protegrin, a single dose brought Pg and Fn levels to near zero. The study did not observe harm to beneficial bacteria, unlike radiation therapy, which can deplete helpful microbes and promote Candida albicans growth.
What's Next
The findings may support development of an affordable, non-invasive adjunct therapy, but human clinical trials are still needed. It remains unclear whether the chewing gum will demonstrate the same efficacy and safety in long-term real-world use.
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Bioengineered chewing gum cuts HPV levels by 93% in oral cancer samples
