Searchlight Logo
special_image

    • News
      • Front Page
      • News
      • Breaking News
      • Press Release
      • Features
      • Special Features
      • From the Courts
      • Sports
      • Regional / World
    • Opinions
      • Editorial
      • Our Readers’ Opinions
      • Bassy – Love Vine
      • Dr. Fraser- Point of View
      • R. Rose – Eye of the Needle
      • On Target
      • Dr Jozelle Miller
      • The World Around Us
      • Random Thoughts
    • Advice
      • Kitchen Corner
      • What’s on Fleek this week
      • Health Wise
      • Physician’s Weekly
      • Business Buzz
      • Hey Rosie!
      • Prime the pump
    • ePaper
    • Obituaries
      • In Memoriam / Acknowledgement
      • Tribute
    • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Letters To The Editor
      • General Contact Information
      • Contact our Webmaster
    • About Us
      • Interactive Media Ltd
      • St. Vincent & the Grenadines
    • Subscribe
    • News
      • Front Page
      • News
      • Breaking News
      • Press Release
      • Features
      • Special Features
      • From the Courts
      • Sports
      • Regional / World
    • Opinions
      • Editorial
      • Our Readers’ Opinions
      • Bassy – Love Vine
      • Dr. Fraser- Point of View
      • R. Rose – Eye of the Needle
      • On Target
      • Dr Jozelle Miller
      • The World Around Us
      • Random Thoughts
    • Advice
      • Kitchen Corner
      • What’s on Fleek this week
      • Health Wise
      • Physician’s Weekly
      • Business Buzz
      • Hey Rosie!
      • Prime the pump
    • ePaper
    • Obituaries
      • In Memoriam / Acknowledgement
      • Tribute
    • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Letters To The Editor
      • General Contact Information
      • Contact our Webmaster
    • About Us
      • Interactive Media Ltd
      • St. Vincent & the Grenadines
    • Subscribe
Eight important medical advancements for 2021
Physician's Weekly
December 31, 2021

Eight important medical advancements for 2021

2021 was an extremely tumultuous year on several fronts, however, it was also a year where there were tremendous and remarkable advancements made in the medical sciences. After systematic research, I’ve identified eight medical innovations that came to the fore over the last 365 days.

1.     Easier to detect a wide range of cancers: A new blood test (Galleri Test) which can detect nanoscopic DNA fragments shed by up to 50 types of cancers has become available. This test facilitates the early detection of cancers of, but not limited to, the – pancreas, bile duct, kidney, liver, breast, mouth, head & neck, oesophagus, stomach, rectum, lung, bone, testicular, and ovary.

2.     Gene therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD): Scientists have developed a gene-editing treatment for SCD that is safe and effective. The treatment was primarily developed at Boston Children’s Hospital completely puts a stop to SCD’s most severe symptoms and devasting complications.

3.     Improved access to telemedicine: A silver lining to the COVID global pandemic is the widespread emergence and acceptance of telemedicine as a valid alternative to conventional face-to-face clinical consultations. The convenience and effectiveness of this modality of consultation have also served to eliminate the chances of the patient or doctor catching COVID as a result of the traditional consultation. Family Care Clinic/ Dr. C. Malcolm Grant has offered such since July 2021 – https://www.familycaresvg.com/telehealth.

4.     Novel treatments for prophylactic migraine treatment: The FDA has recently approved a new class of medicines that are intended to prevent migraine headaches. These immune-modulating medicines, specifically monoclonal antibodies, are administered via a once-monthly subcutaneous injection. They significantly reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. The primary side effect was pain and discomfort at the injection site in some.  

5.     New Alzheimer’s medicines: The FDA approved the first drugs in 20 years for the treatment of Alzheimer’s.  Aduhelm and donanemab were found to significantly improve cognitive function if monthly IV infusions were given to persons with early Alzheimer’s.

6.     Augmentation of existing treatments for prostate cancer: Medicines that inhibit prostatic PARP (poly ADP ribose polymerase) enhance the effectiveness of existing chemotherapy and radiation therapies for prostate cancer. Two newly available PARP inhibitors significantly delay the progression of prostate cancers. 

7.     Improving women’s chances of becoming pregnant: A period is a depressing experience for someone who’s trying for a while to become pregnant. There is a sensitive new home urine fertility test, endorsed by New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital, which lets a woman know when the best time is to have sexual intercourse for a successful pregnancy.

 8.     Taming resistant yeast infections: This new yeast infection treatment is highly effective in women who suffer from recurrent yeast infections. Brexafemme, which belongs to a new class of antifungals – triterpenoids, is the first new antifungal agent in more than 2 decades. It is available as a 2-tablet formulation, and it not only eliminates the current yeast infection but when compared to existing treatments, significantly increases the length of time between symptomatic infections.
 
Wishing YOU a healthy, joyous, prosperous, and blessed 2022
 
 Author: Dr. C. Malcolm Grant – Family Physician, c/o Family Care Clinic, Arnos Vale, www.familycaresvg.com, clinic@familycaresvg.com, 1(784)570-9300 (Office), 1(784)455-0376 (WhatsApp)
 
Disclaimer: The information provided in the above article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Dr. C. Malcolm Grant, Family Care Clinic or The Searchlight Newspaper or their associates, respectively, are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information provided above.

  • FacebookComments
  • ALSO IN THE NEWS
    Domestic worker killed at Long Wall
    Front Page
    Domestic worker killed at Long Wall
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    FAMILY MEMBERS of a woman who was killed at Long Wall say they suspect their relative was hacked by a person they all know very well. On Tuesday, Sept...
    NDP never built a single house in SVG – Finance Minister
    Front Page
    NDP never built a single house in SVG – Finance Minister
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    THE IDEA THAT HOUSING is a right, that every Vincentian has a right to safe and secure housing, and that the government has a role to play in ensuring...
    No bail for Police officer charged with attempted murder
    Front Page
    No bail for Police officer charged with attempted murder
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    A POLICE OFFICER, who allegedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend 26 times about her body was remanded even as his lawyer argued that the Royal St Vincent and...
    New ULP Administration will roll out AI policy
    Front Page
    New ULP Administration will roll out AI policy
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    A NEW UNITY LABOUR PARTY ADMINISTRATION will be rolling out an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy to embrace its positives and guard against the nega...
    Sandy Bay Secondary School marks 20th Anniversary
    Front Page
    Sandy Bay Secondary School marks 20th Anniversary
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER, 9,2025 was a memorable day for the staff and students of the Sandy Bay Secondary School, which was marking its 20th anniversary wi...
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    News
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    THE ASHLEY LASHLEY Foundation, with support from the United States Government, is implementing a local-level project entitled “Community-Driven Strate...
    News
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    News
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    THE ASHLEY LASHLEY Foundation, with support from the United States Government, is implementing a local-level project entitled “Community-Driven Strate...
    Skills not available locally, non-nationals have to be hired says Finance Minister
    News
    Skills not available locally, non-nationals have to be hired says Finance Minister
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    NON- NATIONALS ARE being hired to fill several jobs in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) simply because locals did not have the required skill sets....
    Montgomery Daniel squashes rumours that he’s sick
    News
    Montgomery Daniel squashes rumours that he’s sick
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Montgomery Daniel has sought to clear around rumours that have been circulating relating to his health. Speaking on NBC radio on...
    $1.3 billion in Tourism investment to yield 2,000 jobs – Camillo
    News
    $1.3 billion in Tourism investment to yield 2,000 jobs – Camillo
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    The GOVERNMENT of St Vincent and the Grenadines is set to sign agreements for tourism investment of $1.3 billion on mainland St.Vincent. On Monday, Se...
    Bagga’ man pleads guilty to illegal gun, ammo possession
    From the Courts, News
    Bagga’ man pleads guilty to illegal gun, ammo possession
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    A BARROUALLIE MAN will be sentenced next week after pleading guilty to being in illegal possession of a firearm and eight rounds of ammunition. Demron...

    E-EDITION
    ePaper
    google_play
    app_store
    Subscribe Now
    • Interactive Media Ltd. • P.O. Box 152 • Kingstown • St. Vincent and the Grenadines • Phone: 784-456-1558 © Copyright Interactive Media Ltd.. All rights reserved.
    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok