Advances in Gene Therapy for Xerostomia: Current Perspectives and Future Directions: A Narrative Review

Background and Aims: Xerostomia, or dry mouth, significantly impairs quality of life and oral health, particularly in patients subjected to radiation therapy or suffering from systemic disorders. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of gene therapy interventions for xerostomia, exploring innovative approaches such as viral vector-mediated delivery of aquaporin-1, growth factor-based strategies, and cutting-edge CRISPR techniques. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search on gene therapy interventions for xerostomia to synthesize this narrative review. Results and Conclusion: A critical evaluation of these studies reveals promising advancements alongside current limitations in medical research, including off-site therapeutic effects, delivery efficiency, and long-term efficacy. This review thus provides a comprehensive perspective on current gene therapy strategies for xerostomia, setting the stage for future research to bridge the gap between experimental therapies and everyday clinical applications.