In the pipeline: a wave of valuable medical technology

Technologic change has proceeded at a rapid pace during the past twenty years, and advances that are even more remarkable are in sight over the next decade. These changes will be driven largely by advances in molecular and cell biology, imaging techniques, and tissue engineering. Therapies directed toward causes rather than consequences of disease could conceivably produce inexpensive cures and thus slow the rise in medical costs. A more likely scenario envisions a continued rise in costs as advances in technology produce many expensive interventions that extend life but are not curative.