Cancer-fighting chewing gum cuts HPV levels by up to 93%

Bioengineered chewing gum may offer a way to fight microbes linked to cancers

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a bioengineered chewing gum that dramatically reduces microbes linked to head and neck cancer. In tests on patient samples, the gum cut HPV levels by up to 93% and nearly eliminated two cancer-associated bacteria, while preserving beneficial oral microbes. The findings, published in Scientific Reports, suggest a potential new, affordable adjunct to existing cancer therapies.