Investments in cancer genomics: who benefits and who decides

The Cancer Genome Atlas--formerly the Human Cancer Genome Project--provides an opportunity for considering how social concerns about resource allocation are interrelated with practical decisions about specific research strategies--part of a continuing convergence between scientific and public evaluations of priorities for biomedical research funding. For example, the manner, order, and extent that The Cancer Genome Atlas selects tumor types and populations to be sampled will determine who benefits most from its findings. Those choices will be determined on the basis of both scientific and social values. By soliciting public involvement and conducting rigorous policy analysis in the design of large scientific projects such as The Cancer Genome Atlas, cancer researchers can help democratize the allocation of scientific resources and foster public confidence in biomedical research.