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.
Baum
Bruce J
BJ
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA. bbaum@dir.nidcr.nih.gov
Zheng
Changyu
C
Alevizos
Ilias
I
Cotrim
Ana P
AP
Liu
Shuying
S
McCullagh
Linda
L
Goldsmith
Corinne M
CM
McDermott
Nancy
N
Chiorini
John A
JA
Nikolov
Nikolay P
NP
Illei
Gabor G
GG
D051398:Aquaporin 1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*
D051398:Aquaporin 1