A surprising tool against a common virus
A specially engineered chewing gum reduced HPV levels in the mouth by up to 93 percent, according to a new study. The gum also nearly eliminated two bacteria linked to head and neck cancer. Researchers tested the gum in a small group of volunteers and reported the results this month. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world.
Most people carry HPV at some point in their lives without knowing it. The virus usually clears up on its own. But some strains persist and can lead to cancers of the throat, mouth, and cervix. Head and neck cancers linked to HPV have been rising for years.
How the gum works
The gum contains a plant protein that traps the virus and the harmful bacteria. When a person chews, the protein binds to the germs, and they are swallowed and destroyed in the stomach. The treatment left beneficial mouth bacteria untouched, which surprised the researchers. Most mouthwashes and other products kill good and bad bacteria alike.
The researchers said the gum is easy to use and has no known side effects. Volunteers chewed the gum several times a day over the course of the study. Levels of the virus dropped quickly and stayed low.
What it could mean
Vaccines already protect against the most dangerous strains of HPV. The gum could offer a low-cost option for people who are already infected, especially in countries where vaccines are hard to get. The researchers said larger trials are needed before the gum can be sold. A company is already working on a commercial version. If the results hold up, the gum could become a simple addition to the fight against virus-related cancers.