Development of a gene transfer-based treatment for radiation-induced salivary hypofunction

A significant long-term side effect of radiation therapy for head and neck cancers is xerostomia, a dry mouth, due to salivary gland damage. Despite continuing efforts to eliminate this problem, many patients continue to suffer. This brief review describes our efforts to develop a gene transfer approach, employing the aquaporin-1 cDNA, to treat patients with existing radiation-induced salivary hypofunction. A Phase I/II clinical trial, using a recombinant adenoviral vector to mediate gene transfer, is currently underway.