Cancer-fighting chewing gum cuts HPV levels by up to 93%
A specially engineered chewing gum reduced HPV by up to 93% and nearly eliminated two bacteria linked to head and neck cancer. The treatment preserved beneficial mouth bacteria, raising hopes for a safer and more affordable therapy.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine have engineered chewing gum that can effectively target microbes linked to head and neck cancer, potentially offering a new and accessible treatment option. The gum, derived from lablab beans, contains FRIL, a naturally occurring antiviral protein, and protegrin, an antimicrobial peptide.
In tests, extracts from the gum significantly reduced levels of human papillomavirus (HPV), two types of bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum) associated with cancer, by up to 93%. The gum demonstrated no negative impact on beneficial oral bacteria, making it a promising addition to existing cancer treatments or as a preventive measure against infection and transmission.
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- Cancer-fighting chewing gum cuts HPV levels by up to 93% sciencedaily.com
