Apr 28, 2020 for more information about the ethical issues raised by gene therapy. To discern the ethical issues involved incurrent gene therapy research, to explore theproblems inherent in possible future genetherapies, and to encourage debate within thescientific community about ethical questionsrelevant to both, we surveyed american societyof human genetics scientists who engage inhuman genetics research. Although germline editing has been the subject of debate ever since the 1980s, it tended to be based rather on speculative assumptions until april 2015, when crisprcas9 technology was used to modify human embryos for the first time. While other types of gene editing are relatively uncontroversial, gge has been strongly resisted. For more information about the ethical issues raised by gene therapy. A few ethical issues in translational research for gene. In this article, we analyse the ethical arguments for and against pursuing gge by allowing and funding its development. To discern the ethical issues involved in current gene therapy research, to explore the problems inherent in possible future gene therapies, and to. Apr 30, 2016 although germline editing has been the subject of debate ever since the 1980s, it tended to be based rather on speculative assumptions until april 2015, when crisprcas9 technology was used to modify human embryos for the first time. Germline gene therapy is theoretically possible but raises serious ethical concerns concerning future. This modification usually occurs by introducing exogenous dna using viral vectors or. Although gene therapy has been shown to be feas ible, it is not yet guaranteed to be a commercial suc cess. One of the main issues is the lack of knowledge about the longterm effects of the therapy and the field is. The field of gene therapy is rapidly evolving, and while hopes of treating disorders of the central nervous system and ethical concerns have been articulated within the academic community, little is known about views and opinions of.
Scientific and ethical discussions about gene therapy began many years ago, but it was not until 1990 that the first approved human gene therapy clinical trial was initiated. This is particularly so in gene therapy, where there are controversial. Ethical and social issues article pdf available in journal of the south carolina medical association 1975 949. Somatic cell gene therapy is technically the simplest and ethically the least.
Gene therapy could be useful in the treatment of infertility issues. With the extraordinary evolution of biomedical technologies, a growing number of innovative products based on human cells and gene therapy are being tested and used as drugs. There are two forms of gene therapy currently being researched, somaticcell gene therapy and germcell gene therapy. Students read accounts of recent gene therapy trials and consider the ethical implications in each and in continuing gene therapy trials as a whole. Germline gene therapy affects sperm or egg cells which could affect. Regarding somatic cell gene therapy as a treatment of last. Ethical and social issues find, read and cite all the research you need. Somatic gene therapy sgt is similar to other forms of medical treatment in.
Gene therapy has been the subject of significant ethical discussion. This paper addresses implications of applying the ethical principle of justice to gene therapy. Pdf utilizing social media to study informationseeking. Secondly, various new technologies continue to propel such debates. Apr 21, 2008 however, gene therapy also raises specific ethical issues and public concerns about the three main fronts. The ethical aspects of gene therapy european commission delegation library 2300 m streett nw washington, dc 20037 1. Gene therapy consists of a wilful modification of the genetic material in cells of a patient in order to bring about a therapeutic effect. As a consequence, it doesnt raise the same ethical issues as germline gene therapy. What are the ethical issues surrounding gene therapy. Christians overall have long viewed scientific research as a proper response to gods commands to take care of the earth and to fill it with unique individuals. The mu center for health ethics seeks to address difficult moral issues through dialogue across multiple related disciplines and in the broader academic and public community.
May 22, 2002 fetal somatic gene therapy is often seen as an ethically particularly controversial field of gene therapy. Even if the only thing that we can do with this science is to relieve chronic pain, that would be tremendously beneficial for the futures of many people. The processes involved may help people struggling with vision or hearing issues. Gelsinger case gene therapy clinical trial this case study focuses on a phase i gene therapy trial conducted at the university of pennsylvania upenn in 1999.
Fetal somatic gene therapy is often seen as an ethically particularly controversial field of gene therapy. The potential of using pharmacogenetic information to improve the efficacy. A discussion of the ethics of gene therapy and genetic engineering is available from the university of missouri center for health ethics. Germline gene therapy is far more technically difficult than somatic cell therapy. In this essay, we will consider some of the scientific, social, and ethical. Significant technical obstacles must be overcome if gene therapy is to be used widely, and its commercialization also requires a number of ethical.
Gene therapy in human beings raises a variety of important ethical, legal and social issues. In order to explain these problems, one must understand the different types of gene therapy. Government prohibits use of federal funds for research on germline gene therapy in humans. Other chapters in help me understand genetics printable chapter pdf 1mb. Such a view that somatic genome editing with crispr does not raise novel ethical issues. Some ethical issues sa fam pract 2010 40 vol 52 no 1 abstract the major scientific achievement of the twentieth century was the discovery of the double helix, and the mapping of the human genome in 2003. Ethical considerations of genetic research, therapy. Ethical issues in genetics catholic health association. Learn about approaches to and issues surrounding gene therapy. Gene therapy is a therapeutic technique that uses dna as a pharmaceutical agent to treat or prevent disease1. So, do the ethical issues associated with germline gene therapy make it unacceptable. Apr 25, 2020 there are many issues and questions about the ethics of gene therapy surrounding the practice. Our mission to improve the health of the public through the development of patientcentered programs related to ethics and professionalism in education, research, clinical. While only about 100 protocols for gene therapy have been approved, greater emphasis on it will occur as a consequence of the human genome project, which will identify all our genes and thus make specific genetic interventions much more likely.
Human gene therapy has been attempted on somatic body cells for diseases such as cystic fibrosis and cancer. The ethical principles used in these clinical trials may have been sound when considered in isolation, but the price paid is a delay in initiating treatment of those patient populations who could best benefit from gene therapy. Bioethicists and researchers generally believe that human genome editing for reproductive purposes should not be attempted at this time, but that studies that would make gene therapy safe and effective should continue. Prospects for gene therapy in cystic fibrosis archives. Somatic cell gene therapy is technically the simplest and ethically the least controversial. Moral and ethical issues in gene therapy term paper. The nuffield council on bioethics has issued a consultation on ethical issues raised by developments in pharmacogenetics. The question at hand is whether it is socially and ethically acceptable to manipulate and alter the genes of humans at all. Some ethical issues sa fam pract 2009 478 vol 51 no 6 abstract the major scientific achievement of the twentieth century was the discovery of the double helix, and the mapping of the human genome in 2003. Gene therapy has spawned great due to its potential for affecting the human genome.
Within the next decade, newborn and carrier sc reening, and screening for common disorders such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative dis eases, may greatly increase the role of genetics. However, gene therapy also raises specific ethical issues and public concerns about the three main fronts. Commercial prospects for gene therapy a company survey. Opinion n4 fmm the gmup of advisers on the ethical implicadons. Commission request for an opinion dated 23 september 1993. The following subject is the biggest concern to those who have been reading into the topic gene therapy. One of the most important lessons is that ethics committees can give too much weight to ensuring informed consent and not enough attention to minimising the harm associated with participation in research. Is somatic gene therapy which is done in the adult cells of persons known to have the disease more or less ethical than germline gene therapy which is done in egg and sperm cells and prevents the trait from being passed on to further generations. Ethical issues surrounding somatic gene therapy are primarily those concerned with safety. Background paper the ethics of human genome editing. This article combines knowledge about the technical and scientific state of the art, economic considerations, the legal framework and aspects of clinical reality. One of the ethical concerns involves whether its morally right to make such changes, especially if they. A debate of the ethics of germline gene therapy is presented by from the wellcome genome campus.
Ethical issues of crispr technology and gene editing. Abstract germline gene editing gge has enormous potential both as a research tool and a therapeutic intervention. Somatic gene therapy is when dna is transferred into body tissues. Also, transition of patients with cystic fibrosis from pediatric to adult care is not only a professional but also an ethical issue. Gene therapy, introduction of a normal gene into an individuals genome in order to repair a mutation that causes a genetic disease. In addition, because gene therapy involves making changes to the bodys genetic setup, it raises many unique ethical concerns. Apr 28, 2020 gene therapy is designed to introduce genetic material into cells to compensate for abnormal genes or to make a beneficial protein. The third area of concern consists in the pitfalls of genetic engineering as done under the label of gene therapy.
Concerns about gene therapy gene therapy also raises some ethical concerns. Harm, ethics committees and the gene therapy death. It specifically targets cells in the body which are not passed on to the persons children. Gene therapy has been associated with several problems over the last few decades. If a mutated gene causes a necessary protein to be faulty or missing, gene therapy may be able to introduce a normal copy of the gene to restore the function of the protein. The field of somatic gene therapy is surrounded by fewer ethical issues compared with germline gene therapy, although the therapeutic approach is also.
Understanding the ethical issues related to this condition is crucial to providing optimal care. Firstly, there exists the risk of deliberate alteration in the human germ line, which may change the inherited nature of human beings. In fact, many of the current issues about crispr recapitulate those about gene therapy over the last two decadesand with the same challenge of distinguishing hype from reality. The scientific requirements and the ethical issues associated with each type are discussed. The potential of using pharmacogenetic information to. Ethical and social concerns in germline gene therapy ethical concerns about germline therapy have been widely discussed, particularly since the beginning of the human genome project. Immediate issues are the control and confidentiality of results of genetic testing, possible discrimination against those found to have genetic diseases, and the just allocation of beneficial genetic therapies. Gene therapy is designed to introduce genetic material into cells to compensate for abnormal genes or to make a beneficial protein. To date, the only gene therapy trials to involve children have been in adenosine deaminase ada deficiency. So, do the ethical issues associated with germline gene therapy make it. Aug 23, 2018 the field of somatic gene therapy is surrounded by fewer ethical issues compared with germline gene therapy, although the therapeutic approach is also still in the early stages of design and prone. The ethical principles used in these clinical trials may have been sound when considered in isolation, but the price paid is a delay in initiating treatment of those. Using a bioethical decisionmaking model, students will state the ethical questions, list relevant facts, identify stakeholders, consider. There are many issues and questions about the ethics of gene therapy surrounding the practice.
What are the main concerns about the ethics of gene therapy. Crisprcas9 genome editing new and old ethical issues. Mar 10, 2003 the nuffield council on bioethics has issued a consultation on ethical issues raised by developments in pharmacogenetics. The term gene therapy encompasses at least four types of application of genetic engineering for the insertion of genes into humans.
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