We have already begun to distinguish between different genetic and allelic forms of cancer and are on the verge of doing so with hypertension and other diseases. These fine distinctions will substantially alter our thinking about treatment and prevention. Transplantation technology will continue to advance. Our knowledge of tissues and growth factors will enable transplants we mau now only dream of. And organs will become more readily available.
Thousands die annually because of the inadequate supply of transplantable organs.
Organs will be grown from stem cells, rather than relying on others' catastrophes to provide them. Efforts are presently underway to grow heart, liver, pancreatic islets, hematopietic and neuronal tissues, and other organs. Only last month Science reported the in vitro production of tissue that looks like and reacts physiologically like cornea. About three years ago, I observed an Army surgeon opertating on a dog in the next room using electronically controlled robotics. Ron's prediction is likely to come true sooner rather than later.