Scientists Develop Chewing Gum to Combat Oral Cancer

Researchers have bioengineered chewing gum to target viruses associated with oral cancer, including the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. In laboratory tests, the gum demonstrated 93% effectiveness in reducing the presence of HPV in saliva samples.

The research, led by Henry Daniell, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine, focused on identifying an antiviral protein capable of binding to and destroying various viruses. The team discovered such a protein, named FRIL, within the hyacinth bean, also known as the lablab bean.

This FRIL protein works by causing viruses to clump together, preventing them from infecting cells. It can also neutralize viruses that have already entered a cell, thereby halting further infection. "We have at least five different viruses in the oral cavity that we have been able to neutralize," Daniell stated.

Key to the development's potential is its low cost. Daniell noted that the gum, which incorporates a sufficient amount of bean powder for antiviral action, costs only pennies to produce. "That’s probably the biggest advantage of this — it’s going to be absolutely low cost," he said.

The research team is currently awaiting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to commence clinical trials involving direct administration of the gum to human subjects. These trials are planned to last four weeks, with participants chewing the gum three times daily.

Currently, the chewing gum is intended as an adjunctive therapy, complementing conventional cancer treatments such as radiation therapy and surgery. However, Daniell envisions a future where the gum could be available over-the-counter. The ultimate goal, he clarified, is not for patients to choose between existing treatments and this new approach, but rather to address the microbiome aspect of cancer development.