The Potential Role of Bio Extra Virgin Olive Oil (BEVOO) in Recovery from HPV 16-Induced Tonsil Cancer: An Exploratory Case Study.

The human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV 16) is a high-risk human papillomavirus strain commonly associated with oropharyngeal cancers, including lymph node involvement. The treatment for HPV 16-related tonsil cancer, commonly involving surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, presents significant challenges. Complications such as oral mucositis, xerostomia, dysphagia, dysgeusia, hypogeusia, impaired gustatory function, and significant weight loss frequently arise, leading to reduced nutritional intake, impaired healing, and recovery progression. These challenges underscore the need for supportive interventions to enhance rehabilitation and the post-recovery period, improve treatment tolerance, and maintain quality of life.

Objective

This single-subject study examines a 67-year-old male patient diagnosed with a T1N3b (small primary tumor with advanced lump node involvement) associated with HPV 16 positivity, indicating a virus-associated oncogenesis.

Methods

The patient underwent radiation therapy and chemotherapy, leading to treatment-associated side effects. After having dietary drinks for daily nourishment, the patient routinely incorporated oral bio extra virgin olive oil (BEVOO) to cope with indicated challenges.

Results

Body composition and metabolic parameters showed treatment-induced declines, followed by substantial but not complete recovery during follow-up examination. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores reflected gradual improvements in dysphagia, xerostomia, mucositis, and subtle but ongoing enhancement of the dysgeusia, gustatory perception, and oral palatability. The BEVOO supplementation and mindfulness were associated with positive recovery trends. Additional variables could have impacted the outcomes, preceding and throughout treatment, including the patient's cognitive and somatic health, environmental conditions, dietary habits, individual attitudes toward recovery, physical activity, and patient way of life.

Conclusions

These results emphasize the need for additional research employing a comprehensive, multi-factorial framework that accounts for the complex interplay of physiological, psycho-social, and environmental contributors. More extensive, more diverse studies are essential to confirm these observations and substantiate the role of BEVOO as a supportive intervention in cancer recovery.