2015 saw significant developments in the field of testing and treatment of various diseases and conditions. Here are some of the significant findings:.

Cancer Testing and Treatment

Cancer remains a significant health challenge, and research efforts are ongoing to improve detection and treatment methods. In 2015, several developments were made:.

1. Precision Medicine

One of the major developments in cancer treatment is the emergence of precision medicine. This approach uses genetic and other data to tailor cancer treatments to individual patients, with the aim of improving efficacy and reducing side effects.

In 2015, the US FDA approved the use of the first cancer drug developed using this approach – Keytruda – for the treatment of melanoma.

2. Liquid Biopsies

Another promising development in cancer testing is the use of liquid biopsies. These tests detect cancer DNA or other molecules in the blood, which can help diagnose cancers or monitor the progress of treatment.

In 2015, several companies launched liquid biopsy tests for cancer, including Guardant Health and Foundation Medicine.

Heart Disease Testing and Treatment

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and efforts to improve testing and treatment are ongoing. In 2015, significant findings were made in this field:.

1. CVD-REAL Study

A major study was conducted in 2015 on the effectiveness of treatments for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The study – called CVD-REAL – analysed data from over 700,000 patients in six countries and found that a new class of diabetes drugs, called SGLT-2 inhibitors, reduced the risk of heart failure by up to 39%. This represents a major breakthrough in treating heart disease, a common complication of diabetes.

2. New Guidelines for Cholesterol Treatment

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released new guidelines in 2015 for the treatment of high cholesterol.

The guidelines recommend treating patients with high-intensity statins – drugs that lower cholesterol levels by at least 50% – to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Neurological Disorders Testing and Treatment

Neurological disorders – such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis – are a significant health concern, particularly as the population ages. In 2015, researchers made several promising findings in this field:.

1. Alzheimer’s Disease Blood Test

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield in the UK developed a blood test in 2015 that could diagnose Alzheimer’s disease at an early stage.

The test detects the presence of a protein called amyloid-beta, which accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

2. Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease

Deep brain stimulation – a surgical treatment that involves implanting electrodes in the brain – has been used for several years to treat Parkinson’s disease.

In 2015, researchers found that this therapy not only improved symptoms but also slowed the disease’s progression.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by enabling earlier diagnosis and more targeted treatments. In 2015, several significant developments were made in this field:.

1. Liquid Biopsies for Genetic Testing

In addition to its use in cancer testing, liquid biopsy technology is also being developed for genetic testing.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed a liquid biopsy test in 2015 that can detect genetic mutations in multiple cancers, including lung, breast, and colorectal cancers.

2. Whole Genome Sequencing

The cost of whole genome sequencing – which involves mapping a person’s entire genetic code – has fallen dramatically in recent years, making it more accessible to researchers and healthcare providers.

In 2015, several initiatives were launched to apply this technology to healthcare, including the UK’s 100,000 Genomes Project.

Conclusion

The developments in testing and treatment in 2015 have made significant strides in improving patient outcomes, particularly in the fields of cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, and genetic testing.

As research efforts continue, we can expect further breakthroughs in the years to come.