Gene Therapy Emerges as Promising Therapeutic Approach for Oral Diseases

Researchers at New York University College of Dentistry have published a new study examining the current applications and future prospects of gene therapy in dentistry. The research highlights the potential of gene therapy in treating various oral diseases, including cancer, cancer-related pain, xerostomia (dry mouth), dental caries, and periodontal disease. Financial support for the study was provided by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).

Key Takeaways:

• Gene therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for treating various oral diseases, including cancer, cancer-related pain, and xerostomia.
• Recent advances in viral and non-viral vectors have enabled more efficient gene delivery systems, particularly in cancer pain management and xerostomia treatment.
• Gene therapy strategies for periodontal applications include immunomodulation and tissue regeneration approaches using growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor and bone morphogenetic proteins.
• Challenges remain in vector optimization and delivery methods, which are limiting the effectiveness of gene therapy in oral healthcare.
• Clinical trials, predominantly in Phase I, have indicated both the potential and current limitations of gene therapy in oral healthcare.

Statistics:

• Five key areas are being targeted for gene therapy in dentistry: oral cancer, cancer-related pain, xerostomia, dental caries, and periodontal disease.
• The research found recent advances in viral and non-viral vectors have enabled more efficient gene delivery systems, with particular success in cancer pain management through opioid receptor gene transfer and xerostomia treatment using aquaporin-1 gene therapy.
• 17(7):859 is the journal article number for the research published in Pharmaceutics.

Sources:

• "Application of Gene Therapy to Oral Diseases." Pharmaceutics, vol. 17, no. 7, 2025, p. 859, doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17070859.
• New York University College of Dentistry.
• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).
• MDPI AG is the publisher for Pharmaceutics.