Ethics of Cancer Genetics and Gene Therapy

This volume covers the ethical issues arising from the rapid scientific advances that are facilitating our expanding capability to perform genetic disease susceptibility testing and implementing gene therapy as well.

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Ethics of Cancer Genetics and Gene Therapy covers the ethical issues arising from the rapid scientific advances that are facilitating our expanding capability to perform genetic disease susceptibility testing and implementing gene therapy as well. This volume also addresses the moral questions that arise when performing these tests. Chapters delineate the issues concerning the general conditions under which genetic testing can be conducted while protecting the rights and welfare of the patient. The authors also cover the use of genetic cancer susceptibility in special contexts involving children, reproductive decision-making and research on human DNA samples. In it's conclusion, issues related to risk/benefit assessment, informed consent, alteration of germline cells, and the relationship between repair of susceptibility genes and genetic enhancement are addressed.