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Accidental germ-line modifications through somatic cell gene therapies: some ethical considerations
1Philosophy Department, 801 McClung Tower, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0480, USA. jkaplan@utk.edu
The American Journal of Bioethics : AJOB
|July 17, 2003
Summary
Somatic cell gene therapies carry a small risk of unintended germline modifications. However, this risk is comparable to other medical procedures and is acceptable given the potential benefits.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Genetics
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Somatic cell gene therapies, particularly in utero treatments, raise concerns about potential germline modifications.
- Arguments exist against pursuing these therapies if any risk of germline alteration is present.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the ethical implications of accidental germline modifications from in utero gene therapies.
- To determine if the risks associated with accidental germline modifications are justifiable.
Main Methods:
- Ethical analysis of proposed somatic cell gene therapies.
- Risk-benefit assessment comparing accidental germline modification risks to established medical procedure risks.
Main Results:
- Deliberate germline modification is currently inappropriate.
- The risk of accidental germline modification from in utero gene therapy is comparable to other medical risks.
- The potential benefits of these therapies outweigh the risks of accidental germline modification.
Conclusions:
- Accidental germline modifications from in utero gene therapy present a manageable risk.
- The potential benefits of somatic cell gene therapies justify accepting the risk of accidental germline modifications.
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