Could a food preservative help fight oral cancer?

NCT ID NCT06097468

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether nisin, a natural preservative found in some foods, can safely change the bacteria in the mouths of people with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. About 40 patients will take nisin before and after their standard surgery. The goal is to find a safe dose and see if it affects the mouth's microbiome.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Nisin (a natural food preservative)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to improve outcomes for oral cancer patients by altering mouth bacteria.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small trial (40 people) testing safety and dosing. It may not show any benefit, and nisin might cause side effects or fail to change bacteria meaningfully.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of California, San Francisco

    RECRUITING

    San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact