Futuristic medical treatments seem to have made their way to the forefront.  What was once seen as science fiction has now joined the mainstream.  Who would have thought, 50 years ago, that I would have gotten an artificial knee joint replaced by a robot?  This minimally invasive surgical procedure utilized a robotic arm to improve accuracy and precision during the knee replacement, which resulted in a better outcome than that of traditional surgery.

For the first time in the United States, in January the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia utilized gene therapy to restore the hearing of an eleven-year-old boy who had been born congenitally deaf. This procedure had already been tested at Cambridge University in England where a twelve-month-old infant received the gene protein called Otoferlin.  The lack of this gene causes total deafness, disabling communication between cells of the inner ear and the brain. By replacing this gene, deafness is reversed. It is only a matter of time before this medical treatment is offered to all infants born congenitally deaf.

Certain types of visual impairments are involved in clinical trials of gene therapy, including Leber’s congenital amaurosis and retinitis pigmentosa. This involves replacing a defective gene with a new, healthy copy.

Although the FDA has only approved a few gene therapy treatments, there are many more disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy,  hemophilia, beta thalassemia and sickle cell disease.  It may also be used against HIV. There is speculation that gene therapy can be used to cure Down Syndrome by introducing it to very early embryos, with a reported success rate of 70%.

With the advancement of 3D printing, scientists have started to print cells and tissues using bioprinting. This pivotal achievement has the potential to produce complex functional organs with exceptional precision, addressing the current shortage of organ donors, albeit it will take 20-30 years to reach this stage.

There is a new drug approved for Alzheimer’s patients, slowing progression of the disease so patients can enjoy life and the memories that are made for longer periods of time. It is not a cure, but can provide an extended period of engagement in life activities. I am of the age for which this might be beneficial, I will just have to remember to ask for it!  

Medical advancements will continue at an increased rate, and I am looking forward to the futuristic improvements, if not for my lifetime, but for that of my children and grandchildren.