A recent study revealed that biosynthetic gum extracts may help reduce levels of microbes associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
This achievement opens the door to the development of more effective and less expensive treatments for this common type of cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is one of the most common cancers, affecting the lining of the mouth and throat. It is often aggressive and its severity increases when detected at advanced stages. Furthermore, current treatments have not significantly improved survival rates or patient quality of life, highlighting the need for more effective treatment alternatives.
In the study, the research team, led by Henry Daniel from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry, relied on previous research that used chewing gum made from kidney beans that naturally contain an antiviral protein known as FRIL.
The researchers examined three microbes associated with the exacerbation of this type of cancer: human papillomavirus (HPV), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), using oral samples taken from patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
The results showed that gum extracts reduced human papillomavirus levels by 93% in saliva samples and 80% in mouthwash samples.
The researchers also developed the gum's base material to include an antimicrobial agent capable of eliminating harmful bacteria. The results showed that a single dose was sufficient to reduce levels of cancer-associated bacteria to near zero, without affecting the beneficial bacteria naturally present in the mouth.
The researchers noted that this result is important because traditional radiation therapy often leads to a reduction in beneficial bacteria and an increase in the growth of some disease-causing fungi, which does not happen with this new treatment.
The study results support the importance of moving this treatment into clinical trials, either as an adjunct to current treatments or as a preventive measure to reduce infection and prevent transmission.
The study was published in the journal "Scientific Reports".
