Morning Medical Update: Pickleball injuries could cost Americans $400 million a year; Vaccines for cancer treatment; Experimental weight loss drug could become market leader

Pickleball injuries could cost Americans $400 million a year

UnitedHealth Group has reported a higher-than-expected frequency of hip replacements and knee surgeries this year. Group analysts from USB investment bank says there is a direct correlation between these procedures and the rise of pickleball. The number of players have increased by 159 percent in three years. The cost of these procedures could result in charges ranging from $250 to $500 million in 2023.

Vaccines for cancer treatment

The next big thing in cancer treatment could be vaccines. Vaccines would be used to shrink tumors and boost the immune system. The first targets for the experimental vaccines are breast, lung, skin, and pancreatic cancers. Experts say cancer patients could see an influx of vaccines within the next five years.

Experimental weight loss drug could become market leader

An experimental drug called retatrutide has the potential to lead the charge of new weight loss medications. In a mid-stage trial, retatrutide helped people lose, on average, 24% of the body weight. According to Dr. Shauna Levy, a specialist in obesity medicine and the medical director of the Tulane Bariatric Center in New Orleans, the drug has the potential to be nearly as effective as bariatric surgery.