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

Received 5 August 2009; received in revised form 16 September 2009; accepted 17 September 2009. published online 05 November 2009.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Xerostomia, Radiation, Gene therapy, Aquaporin-1, Adenovirus, Oral cancer

a Molecular Physiology and Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA

b Clinical Research Core, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA

Corresponding author. Address: Bldg. 10, Room 1N113, MSC-1190, MPTB/NIDCR/NIH, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-1190, USA. Tel.: +1 301 496 1363; fax: +1 301 402 1228.

PII: S1368-8375(09)00916-6

doi:10.1016/j.oraloncology.2009.09.004

Published by Elsevier Inc.

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