Emerging data published in Scientific Reports, demonstrates extracts from a bioengineered chewing gum to significantly reduce the levels of 3 microbes associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

The medicated chewing gum displayed substantial reductions in oral human papillomavirus (HPV), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P gingivalis), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fnucleatum).

The research evaluated a lablab bean–derived chewing gum containing the antiviral lectin (FRIL), for microbial loads in oral samples from patients with HNSCC. The goal was to asses HPV, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, which have been implicated in tumor progression.

The data analyzed saliva and oral rinse samples from patients with HNSCC and compared microbial levels following exposure to the investigational chewing gum extract.

Following treatment with the bean-derived lectin formulation, HPV levels were reduced by approximately 93% and 80% in saliva and oral rinse samples, respectively. The effect is attributed to FRIL-mediated binding of viral glycoproteins, which promotes aggregation and reduces viral availability for host cell entry.

Full article: https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/emerging-data-shows-chewing-gum-reduces-hpv-and-oral-cancer-associated-bacteria-in-hnscc

Introduction

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of lower lip comprises over 25% of oral cancer. Surgical treatment plan for SCC patients includes tumor excision, lymph node dissection and reconstruction.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old patient was admitted with 1-year history of tumor in his lower lip. Examination revealed a large lower lip tumor with expansion to the upper lip and a 2 cm submental lymph node. Biopsy result of the tumor was SCC and fine needle aspiration result of the lymph node was metastasis SCC. He underwent a complete removal of the lower lip and 1/3 external of the upper lip plus dissection of bilateral cervical lymph node plus reconstruction with local flap. After a 4-hour operation and 14-day hospitalization, patient recovered with flap in excellent condition and without any complications.

Conclusion

Treatment with tumor excision, lymph node dissection and reconstruction by local flap is primary treatment for patients with lower lip cancer. Choice of reconstruction method depends on various factors, whereas V-Y advancement flap presents dominant advantage in lower lip cancer treatment.

Full article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6277213/

Systemic therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment for recurrent and metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCC). However, there is a dearth of effective treatments beyond platinum combinations, anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) agents and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting monoclonal antibody cetuximab. Recent years have seen several exciting new agents being tested in clinical trials. These are designed to target alternate oncogenic signaling pathways and have novel mechanistic compositions, including bi-specific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates. 

A new study published in Frontiers delves into the clinical limitations of currently approved systemic therapies, explores novel agents in development, and highlights ongoing clinical trials using targeted therapies for this disease.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1640960/full