Health Benefits Through the Decades
Some key milestones in clinical research are detailed below.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is for guidance only.
1920s Clinical research identifies ways to combating rickets and other childhood diseases by improving children’s nutrition.
1930s Clinical trials of new drugs to treat life-threatening infections including septicaemia, meningitis, erysipelas and pneumonia.
1940s Clinical trials of whooping cough vaccines and of treatments for tuberculosis, other serious bacterial infections, and hepatitis.
1950s Epidemiological research shows that cigarette smoking causes lung cancer. Clinical research shows that home-based TB treatment is as effective as sanatorium treatment. Clinical trials of steroid treatments commence for rheumatism and skin disorders.
1960s Introduction of clinical trials of vaccines for influenza, polio, leprosy, diphtheria, measles and rubella. Initiation of radiotherapy for cancers.
1970s Clinical trials of chemotherapy and immunology for leukaemia commence. Development and testing of first short duration TB treatments.
1980s Clinical trials show that aspirin and warfarin are effective in treating cardiovascular disease. Treatments for childhood leukaemia dramatically improve the chance of recovery, and folic acid given to high-risk women reduces the numbers of babies born with spina bifida.
1990s Clinical trials show that combining antiretroviral
drugs delays the progress of AIDS, although AZT provides no benefits before
symptoms are present. Chemotherapy is shown to be beneficial for many types
of cancer.
The first trials of breast-cancer screening and AIDS treatments for children.
2000s Clinical trials show cholesterol-lowering statin drugs reduce heart attacks and strokes. Magnesium sulphate is proven to cuts risk of eclampsia in pregnant women. Trials for treatment of diseases of the elderly and hormone replacement therapy are initiated.
(Ref The Medical Research Council )