{
  "id": 131289,
  "title": "Cancer-fighting chewing gum cuts HPV levels by up to 93%",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/cancer-fighting-chewing-gum-cuts-hpv-levels-by-up-to-93-131289",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-04T13:33:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ScienceDaily Health",
    "slug": "sciencedaily-health",
    "url": "https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260803080917.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "University of Pennsylvania researchers unveiled a bioengineered chewing gum that appears to be a promising solution for combating microbes linked to head and neck cancer. In tests involving oral samples from patients, extracts from the gum significantly reduced HPV infection and bacterial strains associated with the disease. Led by Dr. Henry Daniell, the research team published their findings in Scientific Reports, potentially paving the way for more affordable and accessible treatments. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common type of cancer with poor outcomes when detected late. Daniell emphasizes the need for new treatments that can complement existing therapies. The gum builds upon earlier research involving bean gum containing FRIL, a naturally occurring antiviral protein. By studying oral samples from HNSCC patients, the researchers identified three microbes associated with the disease: HPV, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn). Tests revealed that the gum extracts lowered HPV levels by 93% and bacterial levels by 80%. The gum was further engineered to include protegrin, an antimicrobial peptide capable of eradicating harmful bacteria without affecting the beneficial bacteria present in the mouth. This selectivity could make the gum a valuable addition to current cancer treatments or a prophylactic measure. With lip and oral cavity cancer being the seventh leading cancer type worldwide, the researchers hope to advance the therapy to clinical trials as an adjuvant or preventive measure.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "University of Pennsylvania researchers develop bioengineered chewing gum",
    "Extracts from gum reduce HPV infection by up to 93% and bacterial levels by 80%",
    "Gum includes antimicrobial peptide to selectively target harmful bacteria"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ScienceDaily",
        "title": "Cancer-fighting chewing gum cuts HPV levels by up to 93%",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/cancer-fighting-chewing-gum-cuts-hpv-levels-by-up-to-93",
        "published": "2026-08-04T13:33:37.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}