Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Integrating Current Clinical Practice with Future Therapeutic and Diagnostic Horizons

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration due to mutations in the dystrophin gene. Despite major advancements in understanding its pathophysiology, there is still no curative treatment. This review provides an up-to-date overview of current and emerging therapeutic approaches—including antisense oligonucleotides, gene therapy, gene editing, corticosteroids, and histone deacetylases(HDAC) inhibitors—aimed at restoring dystrophin expression or mitigating disease progression. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of early diagnosis, the utility of genetic screening, and the innovations in pre-and post-natal testing. As the field advances toward personalized medicine, the integration of precision therapies with cutting-edge diagnostic technologies promises to improve both prognosis and quality of life for individuals with DMD.