Cell-Free Therapies: The Use of Cell Extracts to Mitigate Irradiation-Injured Salivary Glands

This review discussed the potential of cell-free therapies, specifically cell extracts (CE), to treat irradiation-induced salivary gland (SG) damage, a common side effect of radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. Current treatments only temporarily alleviate symptoms without repairing the damage. Cell extracts, which contain multifunctional inter-cellular molecules, were highlighted for their regenerative potential. The review explored optimal approaches for CE administration, including delivery routes and preparation methods, and compared CE treatment to other cell-free and cell-based therapies. Despite incomplete understanding of the bioactive factors and mechanisms in CEs, the review suggested that CE therapy could be an effective, practical, and safe alternative to conventional treatments for IR-induced SG damage.