There’s a reason diseases like smallpox, polio, measles, and leprosy sound like ailments from the past.
Thanks to modern medicine—which would not be possible without the dedicated efforts of clinical researchers and clinical trial participants—many diseases have been largely eradicated over the last century.
While there is still a lot of work to be done, researchers continue to be diligent in their efforts.
Keep reading to learn about some of the scientific breakthroughs being made to treat all-too-common diseases and ailments.
There’s a reason you tend to hear the word “treatment” more than “cure” when it comes to disease management, with much of modern medicine focusing on prevention and/or symptom management.
But researchers are always keeping true cures in mind—even if that “cure” is technically a treatment that fully alleviates symptoms.
Whether it’s prevention, long-term symptom management, or complete eradication, great strides are being made in the world of modern medicine thanks to clinical research.
Take, for example, these six diseases that may be cured within our lifetime.
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, was only discovered mere decades ago. It can be contracted through sexual intercourse, through contact with infected blood, or even from a mother to her child—and once an individual is infected with the virus, they will carry it for the rest of their lives.
Unfortunately, there is still no known cure for the virus. While awareness and prevention methods have significantly improved since it was first discovered in 1983, there continue to be significant disparities in access to health services among many communities.
Researchers are working diligently to find a cure for this devastating disease and continue to forge ahead with new studies. One possibility includes immune modulation, a drug or procedure that strengthens the immune system’s ability to fight the virus. Another strong possibility is gene therapy, which genetically alters the cells.
In May 2016, the World Health Organization approved three new global health sector plans covering HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections at the Sixty-Ninth World Health Assembly. While this ambitious investment is a vital step toward reducing these health challenges significantly, allocating an additional $6 billion to hepatitis services is necessary to reach the 2030 elimination objective.
Alzheimer’s affects nearly 7 million Americans who struggle with varying stages of dementia. This degenerative brain disease involves progressive memory loss, making everyday life increasingly difficult.
However, as of January 1, 2023, 31 clinical trials were being conducted to test additional treatments for Alzheimer’s symptoms; future therapies will most likely involve delaying the onset of the disease rather than complete elimination.
NIH research suggests that within the next ten years, healthcare professionals may be able to identify those at a higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s before symptoms appear. Early identification of these markers could lead to proactive treatments and better outcomes.
There are more than 200 types of cancer, which is defined by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that can affect almost any organ or tissue in the body. Due to the complexity of the disease and the variety of forms it can take, developing a cure has proven difficult.
While widely-used cancer treatments currently include chemotherapy and radiation therapy, these are not always strong enough to completely eradicate the disease.
However, researchers are looking into replacements for chemotherapy and radiation (and have made significant strides doing so), especially before cancer cells become resistant to the current treatment methods.
Pancreatic cancer, which affects more than half a million people each year, is the 12th most common—and the deadliest—form of cancer worldwide.
This is largely because pancreatic cancer is not detected until it has already reached the advanced stages, when treatment options are most limited. Recently, however, a team of researchers has been working to understand better its cause, which in turn could lead to better treatment options down the road.
Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease brought on by a single faulty gene that causes mucus to be abnormally thick, preventing the lungs and pancreas from doing their jobs correctly.
While there is currently no known cure for cystic fibrosis, there are several current treatments available depending on the severity of the disease and the organs affected. Medical professionals heavily rely on early diagnosis and long-term therapies, including mucus-thinning medications, antibiotics, bronchodilators, and physiotherapy.
Another treatment possibility is gene therapy, which would specifically target the faulty gene causing the disease. In fact, in February 2018, the FDA approved Ivacaftor, which does just that. While it currently only works for a small percentage of cystic fibrosis patients, it is certainly a step in the right direction.
And as of 2023, researchers are conducting a clinical trial to tests the efficacy of an inhalable muscular prosthetic. This new technology could one day lead to life-changing advancements in cystic fibrosis treatment.
Heart disease, or atherosclerosis, is the buildup of cholesterol, fatty cells, and inflammatory deposits in the arteries—simply put, it is the “clogging” of arteries which then restricts blood flow.
Coronary heart disease is primarily treated and prevented by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Developments in research have even created mechanical devices to help the heart pump.
Because heart muscles and valves cannot be restored once damaged, heart disease is not currently curable. That said, stem cell studies to regenerate heart muscles have come a long way; and with continued medical research efforts, the future looks promising.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that causes issues with movement, such as shaking, stiffness, and trouble with balance and coordination.
There is currently no known cure, but studies are being conducted to better understand the factors that may put an individual at risk. For example, an April 2024 study found that a class of diabetes drugs may help to stabilize patients with Parkinson’s. Researchers anticipate further insights after the completion of the larger Phase 3 studies.
Advancements in modern medicine would not be possible without the breakthroughs discovered through clinical research trials—and those trials would not be possible without the participation of volunteers.
If you are interested in getting involved in clinical research, contact us to inquire about current research volunteer opportunities.
