Medical advances in 2024: new hopes in the fight against HIV and cancer.

The year 2024 has witnessed significant medical advancements that promise to transform the landscape of global health. Among the most notable innovations are new vaccines against cancer, revolutionary treatments for HIV and paraplegia, as well as progress in cell therapies that have shown hopeful results in the fight against various types of cancer. One of the most impactful developments comes from Emory University in the United States, where it has been demonstrated that lenacapavir, a drug administered through a semiannual injection, can reduce the risk of HIV infection by 96%. This treatment, marketed as 'Sunlenca' by Gilead Sciences, has the potential to revolutionize the approach to HIV prevention, as its efficacy surpasses that of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which requires daily adherence. The medical community is now focused on the accessibility of this treatment, considering that it could be a turning point in the fight against the HIV pandemic. The 'Geneva patient' has also captured global attention after being declared free of HIV following a stem cell transplant. This case is particularly noteworthy as it was achieved without the need for a genetic mutation that typically confers resistance to the virus. Research in this area continues to advance, and scientists from different institutions emphasize the importance of these findings in finding more effective ways to treat the disease. On another front, advances in the treatment of paraplegia have provided hope to those who have suffered spinal cord injuries. Swiss researchers have utilized a deep brain stimulation technique that has allowed two patients to regain mobility. Wolfgang Jäger, one of the beneficiaries, has shared his experience, noting how this treatment has restored his ability to perform daily activities that he previously thought were impossible. The field of cell therapies has also made significant strides. A clinical trial at Stanford has shown promising results using CAR-T therapies to treat pediatric brain tumors. Of the 11 participating children, nine experienced significant improvements, representing a notable advance in the fight against solid tumors, which have traditionally been challenging to treat. In the realm of cancer vaccine research, recent studies have demonstrated encouraging results. A neoantigen DNA vaccine applied to women with triple-negative breast cancer has shown a high immune response rate, and after three years, most participants remained cancer-free. This finding could herald a new horizon in the prevention and treatment of this aggressive form of cancer. Additionally, a trial in lung cancer patients has explored the BNT116 vaccine, designed to enhance the patient’s immune response against the tumor. This approach promises to offer less toxic and more durable alternatives than traditional therapies, highlighting the growing trend towards personalized and targeted treatments in oncology. Another advancement in research has occurred in pancreatic cancer, where a messenger RNA-based therapeutic vaccine has been tested, showing that it can activate immune cells that persist in the body for years, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. These results, though preliminary, open new avenues for the treatment of one of the deadliest cancers. The convergence of these advancements underscores the importance of continuing investment in research and development in the health sector. The medical and scientific community is more united than ever, seeking ways to facilitate access to these innovations for all patients, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status. As 2024 progresses, experts urge international collaboration to ensure that these innovations reach those who need them most. The hope is that with a collective effort, both the rates of new HIV infections and the mortality associated with various types of cancer can be reduced, thus marking the beginning of a new era in global healthcare.