Drug and stem cells delivery to salivary glands - a concise review.

Introduction: Systemic equilibrium, oral health, and digestion depend on the health of the salivary glands (SGs). SG disorders, such as Sjögren's syndrome, oral and maxillofacial cancer, and radiation-induced damage, are usually associated with xerostomia, which severely impacts the patient's quality of life. Current therapeutic modalities primarily provide symptomatic therapy without addressing the basic underlying tissue damage or promoting regeneration. Emerging pharmacological and stem cell treatments may restore SG function, but tailored delivery, effectiveness, and safety issues restrict their clinical application.

Areas covered: This review summarizes preclinical and clinical findings on systemic and localized stem cell and pharmaceutical drug administration. We discuss various SG conditions to match therapy methods to disease-specific demands and underline the necessity for accurate, efficient delivery systems to improve results and reduce adverse effects. We conclude with existing limits, future views, and prospective SG medicine regenerative therapy advancements.

Expert opinion: Advancements in drug and stem cell delivery systems for SGs offer the potential to move beyond symptomatic relief and instead regenerate damaged tissues. These approaches promise more targeted, cost-effective, and long-lasting therapies, though challenges like immune rejection, safety, and cost remain significant. Future research should focus on improving stem cell sources, delivery, and tracking, while integrating technologies such as gene editing, nanocarriers, and tissue engineering to enhance efficacy. Ultimately, treatment strategies are shifting toward regenerative solutions aimed at restoring SG function with fewer systemic side effects.