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Chewing Gum Fights Head & Neck Cancer Microbes
5 Aug
Summary
- Chewing gum shows up to 93% reduction in HPV in lab tests.
- Gum almost eliminated two cancer-linked oral bacteria.
- Bioengineered gum targets harmful microbes, spares good bacteria.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have engineered a chewing gum using lablab beans that demonstrates significant potential in reducing viruses and bacteria associated with head and neck cancer. Laboratory tests revealed that the gum reduced HPV levels in saliva by as much as 93%.
Furthermore, the bioengineered gum achieved a near-complete elimination of two specific bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, which have been linked to poorer outcomes in head and neck cancer patients. This innovative approach targets harmful microbes without disturbing the mouth's beneficial bacterial population.
While these early findings are encouraging, experts emphasize that the chewing gum is still under investigation and is not yet available to the public. It is not intended as a substitute for HPV vaccination, regular screenings, or established medical treatments for cancer.
