Medical Breakthroughs for 2012 – 2013

As technology has advanced vastly over the years, so has the push for new medical discoveries and breakthroughs. Medical advances are considered beneficial to the healthcare field as it is seen as a step in the right direction toward finding a cure for some of the diseases that have been a mystery to overcome. However, in some cases the pro’s do not outweigh the con’s and there are many breakthroughs that can potentially go wrong. Here is a list of the 5 most interesting medical breakthroughs for 2012-2013.

Medical Breakthroughs for 2012 – 2013

1. Precision Guided Cancer Treatment

Finding a cure for cancer has been one of the largest funded medical research projects for a long time. Medical advances have not yet found a cure for completely eliminating cancer or providing immunity but the steps being taken are one step closer in the right direction with every discovery. Cancer treatment has been revamped with an oral medication that targets the tumor and leaves healthy cells in the body alone. The drug will help reduce the uncontrollable growth of cancerous tumors by targeting Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), the protein inside a lymphoma that leads growth stimulation. Ibrutinib, the orally administered drug blocks BTK and therefor prevents further growth of the tumor.

2. A Heart-saving Hormone

The human body generates hormones for countless purposes. Proper organ function, chemical balances, sleeping, even eating are a few things controlled by hormones. Recently it was discovered that administering a synthetic hormone called Serelaxin, its properties mimic that of the hormone relaxin. Relaxin is secreted in pregnant women to aid the body and heart from the effects of higher stress from carrying a fetus. In recent studies it was found that patients admitted to the hospital for heart failure had a 37% increased chance of survival by taking the synthetic hormone. Serelaxin opens the blood vessels to supply organs with oxygen rich blood and even acts an anti-inflammatory.

3. Fecal Bacteria Transplants

The health of the intestines is promoted by bacteria. However, there is a difference between “good” and “bad” bacteria. Pro-biotics are found in supplements, yogurts, etc. and allow the healthy bacteria to thrive inside the intestine to promote digestional health. C. difficile is a “bad” bacteria thats microscopic properties have managed to kill over 15,000 people every year. The fecal transplant lets the body absorb the healthy bacteria to replace the lost or damaged ones from the disease. This may sound unsanitary and unsafe for a person to accept donated feces. Researchers have developed an orally administered form to deliver only the good bacteria instead of the donors digested dinner.

4. HIV Prevention

Health Magazine lists a new drug called Truvada has preventative properties for contracting HIV. The high risk groups of people such as homosexuals, or couples with one partner who is already diagnosed will benefit from this advancement as the drug is FDA approved. Truvada does not cure HIV or completely prevent contraction, but the risk is greatly reduced when taken. Prior to this finding, the drug was only used for treating symptoms in HIV patients.

5. A Change of Pace in Diabetes Treatment

Diabetics have relied on insulin treatments, blood glucose testing, and strict diets to control the symptoms and progress of the disease. Yahoo Health reports a new finding in the rigorous routine for diabetics. Still awaiting FDA approval is a new drug, SGLT2 inhibitors, which lowers blood sugar in the body and excretes the excess through urination. For diabetics, and pre diabetics this inhibitor could ensure a quicker route to better health. Reduced calories, lower blood sugar, and a drug that does not interfere with the bodies insulin levels could mean beneficial weight loss for obese diabetics and a healthier heart.

As medicine and healthcare advance, science is creating a pathway to fewer sick days, diseases, and the longevity of the human life. There will always be trial and error when new discoveries arise. The benefits are seen by the public and in many cases the downfalls are not seen until years later. Recently there was a Stryker hip replacement recall put on the market for the Metal on Metal material component, high failure rates and potential for heavy metal poisoning. The material used primarily made of cobalt and chromium were displayed as beneficial when first released because of its anti-corrosive properties and strength. Years later it was discovered the metals of the implant grinding from everyday movement released debris into the surrounding tissues. After enough deposits have been made in the body, heavy metal poisoning is inevitable and begins the breakdown of the immune system and other vital organs.

Medical breakthroughs are always considered optimistic achievements. Before jumping into a new scientific advance always consider long-term treatment and how it could affect your health and body.