Scientists are exploring new ways to fight cancer that are not only effective but also simple and affordable.
In a recent study, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine have developed a special type of chewing gum that may help reduce microbes linked to cancers of the mouth and throat.
These cancers, known as head and neck squamous cell cancers, affect the soft tissues inside the mouth and throat. They are often aggressive and can be difficult to treat, especially if they are discovered late.
Despite advances in medicine, many treatments have not significantly improved long-term survival, which is why new approaches are urgently needed.
Researchers have long known that infections play an important role in this type of cancer. One major factor is human papillomavirus, or HPV, a virus that can spread through contact and is strongly linked to throat cancers.
In addition to HPV, certain bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum can worsen the disease and reduce survival chances.
The research team, led by Professor Henry Daniell, focused on finding a way to reduce these harmful microbes directly in the mouth. They used a chewing gum made from lablab beans, which naturally contains a protein called FRIL. This protein has antiviral properties and can help block infections.
In the study, which was published in Scientific Reports, the scientists tested the gum on samples taken from patients with head and neck cancer. The results were striking. The gum reduced HPV levels by more than 90 percent in saliva samples and by around 80 percent in oral rinse samples. This shows that the gum can strongly reduce virus levels in the mouth.
To make the gum even more effective, the researchers added another ingredient called protegrin. This is a natural antimicrobial substance that can kill harmful bacteria. After adding protegrin, the gum was able to almost completely remove the two dangerous bacteria linked to cancer.
One of the most important findings was that this treatment did not harm the good bacteria in the mouth. A healthy balance of bacteria is important for oral health. Many treatments, such as antibiotics or radiation, can disturb this balance and lead to other problems, including infections.
Compared to these treatments, the chewing gum approach appears to be more selective. It targets harmful microbes while leaving beneficial ones largely unaffected. This makes it a promising option for both prevention and support during treatment.
The idea behind this research is simple but powerful. By reducing the microbes that contribute to cancer, it may be possible to lower risk or improve outcomes. This could be especially useful for people who are at high risk of infection or those already receiving cancer treatment.
However, it is important to note that this study is still in the early stages. The results are based on laboratory tests using patient samples, not on long-term studies in people. More research is needed to see how well the gum works in real life and whether it can truly reduce cancer risk or improve survival.
The study has several strengths, including clear results and a targeted approach that avoids harming healthy bacteria. It also offers a practical and low-cost solution that could be widely used if proven effective.
At the same time, there are limitations. The study does not yet show long-term benefits, and it does not prove that reducing these microbes will directly prevent cancer. Future clinical trials will be needed to confirm these effects.
Overall, this research presents an exciting new direction in cancer prevention. A simple chewing gum could one day help reduce harmful infections and support better health outcomes. While more evidence is needed, the findings offer hope for a safer and more accessible way to fight oral cancers.
If you care about cancer, please read studies that artificial sweeteners are linked to higher cancer risk, and how drinking milk affects risks of heart disease and cancer.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and results showing vitamin D supplements strongly reduces cancer death.
Source: University of Pennsylvania.
