We take a look at a few 2008 medical science developments
The evolution of science moves almost exponentially these days. Medical research has become so widespread, so deep, that the majority of new medical developments escape us: a blip about heart disease here, a sound bite on cancer there and endless reminders of what is bad for us. As it stands, 2008 promises to be no different from past years in the amount of medical science making news. However, with every passing year we near the technology needed to develop true miracles.
Here are some 2008 medical science developments that might just yield the next big breakthrough.
Virtual colonoscopy
Nothing is more uncomfortable than leaning over that cold and unforgiving bed at your doctor’s office while having a flexible tube passed up your anus -- all this to the tune of awkward and forced conversation. Such is a regular reality for many men undergoing a colonoscopy, but perhaps no longer thanks to a 2008 medical science development.Recently, a handful of medical groups, along with the American Cancer Society (ACS), approved two new colorectal cancer screening techniques, including a stool DNA (sDNA) test that involves testing the stool for specific mutated DNA markers shed by tumors, and virtual colonoscopy that involves an external computed tomography colonoscopy (CTC) scan that can visualize the colon without snaking a tube inside you. Virtual colonoscopy undertaken every five years now joins three other early colorectal cancer screening options recommended by the ACS for asymptomatic men 50 years of age or older.
Now one would think that such news would be joyous for men, but don’t break out the champagne just yet; the 2008 medical science development of virtual colonoscopy is not the end-all and be-all solution to comfortable colorectal cancer screening. With a virtual test you still have to undergo the highly unanticipated bowel-cleansing prep, and following this your colon must be inflated with air for better viewing. If any precancerous or unidentifiable polyps are noticed you’ll still need to undergo regular colonoscopy checks to have them removed. Finally, most private insurances in the U.S. will not cover a virtual colonoscopy although the ACS’ recent endorsement may change this.
ETA: Expect virtual colonoscopy to be a part of regular practice within the next year.
Malaria vaccine
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by several protozoan parasites. Around 2 to 3 million lives are lost each year to malaria, most of these in children living in sub-Saharan Africa. The result of this burden has literally led to a billion-dollar movement in malaria research, prevention and control. However, are we any closer to beating this deadly disease?Because malaria is caused by several different parasites, a single preventative vaccine will never be realized. Even a single vaccine with moderate efficacy will add to the multifactorial prevention approach -- one that includes the use of insecticides, bed netting and antimalarial drugs -- and will ultimately save thousands of lives. Such is the hope for the 2008 medical science development of the RTS,S vaccine, which is a vaccine against Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for most cases of malaria. The vaccine is nearing its final phase of testing in clinical trials and although it does little to prevent one from actually getting malaria, it appears to protect against severe disease and death.
Other studies of this 2008 medical science development show promise as well: Recent research among malaria-immune Amazonian natives in Brazil may lead to a vaccine against Plasmodium vivax, a malaria-causing parasite wreaking havoc in South America. Results of a second study released also indicate potential for developing a more effective vaccine against Plasmodium falciparum, one that would stimulate antibodies to toxic sugar molecules found on the parasite’s surface.
ETA: If the RTS,S vaccine passes the final phase of clinical trials we might see a commercially available product in the next three to five years. Beyond that, the Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap group is hoping for a truly effective vaccine by 2025.
These 2008 medical science developments could save millions of lives... Next >>
RSS Feeds