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Carley H, Kulkarni A. Reproductive decision-making in cancer susceptibility syndromes. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2024:102527. [PMID: 38987108 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer susceptibility syndromes confer an increased lifetime risk of cancer and occur due to germline likely-pathogenic or pathogenic variants in a cancer susceptibility gene. Clinical Genetics services advise patients of ways to manage their future cancer risks, often prefaced with uncertainties due to poor understandings of individualised risk. For individuals/couples whose future offspring are at risk of a cancer susceptibility syndrome, different options are available depending on their preferences and circumstances, including prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation genetic testing. This review provides an overview of the most common cancer susceptibility syndromes, available reproductive options and a genetic counselling framework recommended to support individuals/couples in their decision-making. We describe complexities of decision-making involving moderate penetrance and sex-specific variable penetrance genes and explore associated ethical issues arising in this complex area of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Carley
- Clinical Genetics, 7(th) Floor Borough Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK; Clinical Ethics, Law, & Society Group, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK.
| | - Anjana Kulkarni
- Clinical Genetics, 7(th) Floor Borough Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK; Guy's & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
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2
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Chen J. Gendering the beginning of life: Taiwanese gay fathers' navigation of preimplantation genetic diagnosis-assisted sex selection in transnational third-party reproduction. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2024; 46:907-925. [PMID: 38149776 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has been used not only to avoid genetic diseases and increase conception success rates but also to perform non-medical sex selection, particularly in the surging cross-border reproductive care (CBRC). In the context of commercialised biomedicine, assisted reproductive technologies, such as lifestyle sex selection, have been tailored to meet intended parents' preferences. However, there is a lack of analysis on how individuals' reproductive decisions on PGD-assisted sex selection were shaped within the sociocultural norms and CBRC. This article explores Taiwanese gay fathers' navigations on sex selection while seeking third-party reproduction overseas because of local legal constraints. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 53 gay fathers (to-be), I analysed how 'individual preferences' were dynamically shaped by local sociocultural norms and embedded within transnational settings of routinising PGD in chosen repro-destinations. The findings showed that gay fathers mobilised strategic discourses on non-medical sex selection from both the local and the global to negotiate their decisions in coherence with their LGBTQ+ identity and their role as sons carrying familial responsibility to procreate male heirs. This article proposed a nuanced understanding of gay fathers' reproductive practices of 'gendering the beginning of life' through PGD-assisted sex selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Chen
- Department of Sociology, University of Cambridge, Free School Lane, Cambridge, UK
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3
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Capalbo A, de Wert G, Mertes H, Klausner L, Coonen E, Spinella F, Van de Velde H, Viville S, Sermon K, Vermeulen N, Lencz T, Carmi S. Screening embryos for polygenic disease risk: a review of epidemiological, clinical, and ethical considerations. Hum Reprod Update 2024:dmae012. [PMID: 38805697 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genetic composition of embryos generated by in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be examined with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). Until recently, PGT was limited to detecting single-gene, high-risk pathogenic variants, large structural variants, and aneuploidy. Recent advances have made genome-wide genotyping of IVF embryos feasible and affordable, raising the possibility of screening embryos for their risk of polygenic diseases such as breast cancer, hypertension, diabetes, or schizophrenia. Despite a heated debate around this new technology, called polygenic embryo screening (PES; also PGT-P), it is already available to IVF patients in some countries. Several articles have studied epidemiological, clinical, and ethical perspectives on PES; however, a comprehensive, principled review of this emerging field is missing. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review has four main goals. First, given the interdisciplinary nature of PES studies, we aim to provide a self-contained educational background about PES to reproductive specialists interested in the subject. Second, we provide a comprehensive and critical review of arguments for and against the introduction of PES, crystallizing and prioritizing the key issues. We also cover the attitudes of IVF patients, clinicians, and the public towards PES. Third, we distinguish between possible future groups of PES patients, highlighting the benefits and harms pertaining to each group. Finally, our review, which is supported by ESHRE, is intended to aid healthcare professionals and policymakers in decision-making regarding whether to introduce PES in the clinic, and if so, how, and to whom. SEARCH METHODS We searched for PubMed-indexed articles published between 1/1/2003 and 1/3/2024 using the terms 'polygenic embryo screening', 'polygenic preimplantation', and 'PGT-P'. We limited the review to primary research papers in English whose main focus was PES for medical conditions. We also included papers that did not appear in the search but were deemed relevant. OUTCOMES The main theoretical benefit of PES is a reduction in lifetime polygenic disease risk for children born after screening. The magnitude of the risk reduction has been predicted based on statistical modelling, simulations, and sibling pair analyses. Results based on all methods suggest that under the best-case scenario, large relative risk reductions are possible for one or more diseases. However, as these models abstract several practical limitations, the realized benefits may be smaller, particularly due to a limited number of embryos and unclear future accuracy of the risk estimates. PES may negatively impact patients and their future children, as well as society. The main personal harms are an unindicated IVF treatment, a possible reduction in IVF success rates, and patient confusion, incomplete counselling, and choice overload. The main possible societal harms include discarded embryos, an increasing demand for 'designer babies', overemphasis of the genetic determinants of disease, unequal access, and lower utility in people of non-European ancestries. Benefits and harms will vary across the main potential patient groups, comprising patients already requiring IVF, fertile people with a history of a severe polygenic disease, and fertile healthy people. In the United States, the attitudes of IVF patients and the public towards PES seem positive, while healthcare professionals are cautious, sceptical about clinical utility, and concerned about patient counselling. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The theoretical potential of PES to reduce risk across multiple polygenic diseases requires further research into its benefits and harms. Given the large number of practical limitations and possible harms, particularly unnecessary IVF treatments and discarded viable embryos, PES should be offered only within a research context before further clarity is achieved regarding its balance of benefits and harms. The gap in attitudes between healthcare professionals and the public needs to be narrowed by expanding public and patient education and providing resources for informative and unbiased genetic counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Capalbo
- Juno Genetics, Department of Reproductive Genetics, Rome, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Department of Medical Genetics, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Guido de Wert
- Department of Health, Ethics & Society, CAPHRI-School for Public Health and Primary Care and GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Heidi Mertes
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liraz Klausner
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Edith Coonen
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, GROW, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Francesca Spinella
- Eurofins GENOMA Group Srl, Molecular Genetics Laboratories, Department of Scientific Communication, Rome, Italy
| | - Hilde Van de Velde
- Research Group Genetics Reproduction and Development (GRAD), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
- Brussels IVF, UZ Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Stephane Viville
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale LGM, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace IGMA, INSERM UMR 1112, Université de Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, Unité de Génétique de l'infertilité (UF3472), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Karen Sermon
- Research Group Genetics Reproduction and Development (GRAD), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | | | - Todd Lencz
- Institute of Behavioral Science, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Shai Carmi
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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4
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Siermann M, van der Schoot V, Bunnik EM, Borry P. Ready for polygenic risk scores? An analysis of regulation of preimplantation genetic testing in European countries. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1117-1130. [PMID: 38514452 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Would the different regulatory approaches for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) in Europe permit the implementation of preimplantation genetic testing using polygenic risk scores (PGT-P)? SUMMARY ANSWER While the regulatory approaches for PGT differ between countries, the space provided for potential implementation of PGT-P seems limited in all three regulatory models. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY PGT is a reproductive genetic technology that allows the testing for hereditary genetic disorders and chromosome abnormalities in embryos before implantation. Throughout its history, PGT has largely been regarded as an ethically sensitive technology. For example, ethical questions have been raised regarding the use of PGT for adult-onset conditions, non-medical sex selection, and human leukocyte antigen typing for the benefit of existing siblings. Countries in which PGT is offered each have their own approach of regulating the clinical application of PGT, and a clear overview of legal and practical regulation of PGT in Europe is lacking. An emerging development within the field of PGT, namely PGT-P, is currently bringing new ethical tensions to the forefront. It is unclear whether PGT-P may be applied within the current regulatory frameworks in Europe. Therefore, it is important to investigate current regulatory frameworks in Europe and determine whether PGT-P fits within these frameworks. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the legal and practical regulation of the use of PGT in seven selected European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK) and critically analyse the different approaches with regards to regulatory possibilities for PGT-P. Between July and September 2023, we performed a thorough and extensive search of websites of governments and governmental agencies, websites of scientific and professional organizations, and academic articles in which laws and regulations are described. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We investigated the legal and regulatory aspects of PGT by analysing legal documents, regulatory frameworks, scientific articles, and guidelines from scientific organizations and regulatory bodies to gather relevant information about each included country. The main sources of information were national laws relating to PGT. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We divided the PGT regulation approaches into three models. The regulation of PGT differs per country, with some countries requiring central approval of PGT for each new indication (the medical indication model: the UK, the Netherlands), other countries evaluating each individual PGT request at the local level (the individual requests model: France, Germany), and countries largely leaving decision-making about clinical application of PGT to healthcare professionals (the clinical assessment model: Belgium, Italy, Spain). In the countries surveyed that use the medical indication model and the individual requests model, current legal frameworks and PGT criteria seem to exclude PGT-P. In countries using the clinical assessment model, the fact that healthcare professionals and scientific organizations in Europe are generally negative about implementation of PGT-P due to scientific and socio-ethical concerns, implies that, even if it were legally possible, the chance that PGT-P would be offered in the near future might be low. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The results are based on our interpretation of publicly available written information and documents, therefore not all potential discrepancies between law and practice might have been identified. In addition, our analysis focuses on seven-and not all-European countries. However, since these countries are relevant players within PGT in Europe and since they have distinct PGT regulations, the insights gathered give relevant insights into diverse ways of PGT regulation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that provides a thorough overview of the legal and practical regulation of PGT in Europe. Our analysis of how PGT-P fits within current regulation models provides guidance for healthcare professionals and policymakers in navigating the possible future implementation of PGT-P within Europe. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 813707. The authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Siermann
- Centre of Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - V van der Schoot
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E M Bunnik
- Department of Medical Ethics, Philosophy and History of Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P Borry
- Centre of Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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5
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Alon I, Bussod I, Ravitsky V. Mapping ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1153-1171. [PMID: 38512655 PMCID: PMC11143109 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03076-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) has attracted considerable ethical, legal, and social scrutiny, but academic debate often fails to reflect clinical realities. METHODS Addressing this disconnect, a review of 506 articles from 1999 to 2019 across humanities and social sciences was conducted to synthesize the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) of PGT. This review mined PubMed, WoS, and Scopus databases, using both MeSH terms and keywords to map out the research terrain. RESULTS The findings reveal a tenfold increase in global research output on PGT's ELSI from 1999 to 2019, signifying rising interest and concern. Despite heightened theoretical discourse on selecting "optimal" offspring, such practices were scarcely reported in clinical environments. Conversely, critical issues like PGT funding and familial impacts remain underexplored. Notably, 86% of the ELSI literature originates from just 12 countries, pointing to a research concentration. CONCLUSION This review underscores an urgent need for ELSI research to align more closely with clinical practice, promoting collaborations among ethicists, clinicians, policymakers, and economists. Such efforts are essential for grounding debates in practical relevance, ultimately steering PGT towards ethical integrity, societal acceptance, and equitable access, aiming to harmonize PGT research with real-world clinical concerns, enhancing the relevance and impact of future ethical discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ido Alon
- Department of Development Economics, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.
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Tarrash M, Kuyoro O, Goldman RH, Mullin C. Characteristics of patients seeking fertility care in a low-income setting. JBRA Assist Reprod 2024; 28:59-65. [PMID: 38289200 PMCID: PMC10936911 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20230073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients face challenges accessing fertility treatment due to barriers such as financial burdens, delayed referral to Reproductive Endocrinologists (REI), low medical literacy, language barriers and numerous other health disparities. Medicaid in New York offers coverage for office visits, blood tests, hysterosalpingograms (HSGs), and pelvic ultrasounds for infertility. The aim of this study is to delineate the characteristics of this underserved population and determine their ability to complete the initial fertility workup. METHODS This was a retrospective study of all patients seeking fertility care at a single resident/fellow REI clinic in New York from September 2020 - January 2022. RESULTS During the study period, 87 patients (avg age = 35.2y) sought care at the resident/fellow clinic over 126 appointments. The majority of patients had Medicaid insurance and most primary languages spoken included English (70.1%), Spanish (21.8%), and Bengali (3.4%). Documented Race was comprised of mostly Other (46%), African American (21.8%), Asian (17.2%), and White (11.5%). The majority of patients completed a lab workup (70-80%). Fewer patients underwent a scheduled HSG (59.8%) and patients' partners completed a semen analysis (SA) (27.6%). Overall, there was a significant difference in the ability to complete the initial infertility workup (lab tests vs. HSG vs. SA) across all groups regardless of age, insurance type, primary language spoken, race and ethnicity (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Completing the fertility workup, particularly the male partner workup and imaging studies, can present challenges for underserved patients with infertility. Understanding which patient characteristics and societal factors restrict access to fertility care requires further investigation to improve access to fertility care in underserved communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Tarrash
- Northwell Health Fertility, North Shore University Hospital/Donald
and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Olutunmike Kuyoro
- Northwell Health Fertility, North Shore University Hospital/Donald
and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Randi H. Goldman
- Northwell Health Fertility, North Shore University Hospital/Donald
and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Christine Mullin
- Northwell Health Fertility, North Shore University Hospital/Donald
and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
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Siermann M, Valcke O, Vermeesch JR, Raivio T, Tšuiko O, Borry P. "Are we not going too far?": Socio-ethical considerations of preimplantation genetic testing using polygenic risk scores according to healthcare professionals. Soc Sci Med 2024; 343:116599. [PMID: 38244362 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The recent introduction of polygenic risk scores within preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-P) has been met with many concerns. To get more insights into the perspectives of relevant stakeholders on the socio-ethical aspects of PGT-P, an interview study with 31 healthcare professionals involved in reproductive medicine and genetics in Europe and North-America was performed. Healthcare professionals in our study were concerned that PGT-P was going too far in terms of selection, with regards to both medical conditions and non-medical traits. Healthcare professionals were worried about the ethical 'slippery slope' of PGT-P, the increasing medicalization of reproductive health, the commercial context of PGT-P, and potential stigmatization and discrimination. There were also concerns that the availability and the 'technological imperative' of PGT-P could lead to pressure and a sense of responsibility for parents to use PGT-P. Additionally, it could cause new anxieties about the child's health before the child has even been born. Since PGT-P provides polygenic risk scores before birth, the autonomy of the child has to be considered. These socio-ethical concerns heighten existing debates regarding reproductive genetic technologies and show that the specifics of PGT-P make this screening option especially ethically controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Siermann
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7 - Box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8 (P.O. Box 63), 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Ophelia Valcke
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7 - Box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joris Robert Vermeesch
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, ON1 Herestraat 49 - Bus 606, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Taneli Raivio
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8 (P.O. Box 63), 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olga Tšuiko
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, ON1 Herestraat 49 - Bus 606, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Reproductive Genetics Unit, Center for Human Genetics, UZ Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pascal Borry
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7 - Box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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Albujja MH, Al-Ghedan M, Dakshnamoorthy L, Pla Victori J. Preimplantation genetic testing for embryos predisposed to hereditary cancer: Possibilities and challenges. CANCER PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPY 2024; 2:1-14. [PMID: 38328708 PMCID: PMC10846329 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpt.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which was developed as an alternative to prenatal genetic testing, allows couples to avoid pregnancies with abnormal chromosomes and the subsequent termination of the affected fetus. Originally used for early onset monogenic conditions, PGT is now used to prevent various types of inherited cancer conditions based on the development of PGT technology, assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs), and in vitro fertilization (IVF). This review provides insights into the potential benefits and challenges associated with the application of PGT for hereditary cancer and provides an overview of the existing literature on this test, with a particular focus on the current challenges related to laws, ethics, counseling, and technology. Additionally, this review predicts the future potential applications of this method. Although PGT may be utilized to predict and prevent hereditary cancer, each case should be comprehensively evaluated. The motives of couples must be assessed to prevent the misuse of this technique for eugenic purposes, and non-pathogenic phenotypes must be carefully evaluated. Pathological cases that require this technology should also be carefully considered based on legal and ethical reasoning. PGT may be the preferred treatment for hereditary cancer cases; however, such cases require careful case-by-case evaluations. Therefore, this study concludes that multidisciplinary counseling and support for patients and their families are essential to ensure that PGT is a viable option that meets all legal and ethical concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed H. Albujja
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Riyadh 11452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maher Al-Ghedan
- Genetics Laboratory, Thuriah Medical Center, Riyadh 11523, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Josep Pla Victori
- Department of Genetic Counselling, VI-RMA Global, Valencia 46004, Spain
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Lee IT, Kappy M, Forman EJ, Dokras A. Genetics in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:521-527. [PMID: 36849035 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Tremendous advances in genetics have transformed the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility over the last few decades. One of the most prominent advances is preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which allows for the screening of embryos obtained during in vitro fertilization before transfer. Moreover, PGT can be performed for aneuploidy screening, detection of monogenic disorders, or exclusion of structural rearrangements. Refinement of biopsy techniques, such as obtaining samples at the blastocyst rather than the cleavage stage, has helped optimize results from PGT, and technological advances, including next-generation sequencing, have made PGT more efficient and accurate. The continued evolution of the approach to PGT has the potential to further enhance the accuracy of results, expand the application to other conditions, and increase access by reducing cost and improving efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris T Lee
- Division of Reproductive Endorcinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Michelle Kappy
- Columbia University Fertility Center, New York, New York
| | - Eric J Forman
- Columbia University Fertility Center, New York, New York
| | - Anuja Dokras
- Division of Reproductive Endorcinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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de Hemptinne MC, Posthuma D. Addressing the ethical and societal challenges posed by genome-wide association studies of behavioral and brain-related traits. Nat Neurosci 2023:10.1038/s41593-023-01333-4. [PMID: 37217727 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01333-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have led to the identification of robust statistical associations of genetic variants with numerous brain-related traits, including neurological and psychiatric conditions, and psychological and behavioral measures. These results may provide insight into the biology underlying these traits and may facilitate clinically useful predictions. However, these results also carry the risk of harm, including possible negative effects of inaccurate predictions, violations of privacy, stigma and genomic discrimination, raising serious ethical and legal implications. Here, we discuss ethical concerns surrounding the results of genome-wide association studies for individuals, society and researchers. Given the success of genome-wide association studies and the increasing availability of nonclinical genomic prediction technologies, better laws and guidelines are urgently needed to regulate the storage, processing and responsible use of genetic data. Also, researchers should be aware of possible misuse of their results, and we provide guidance to help avoid such negative impacts on individuals and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu C de Hemptinne
- Department of Complex Trait Genetics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Danielle Posthuma
- Department of Complex Trait Genetics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Stein RA, Katz A, Chervenak FA. The far-reaching impact of abortion bans: reproductive care and beyond. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2023; 28:23-27. [PMID: 36369860 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2022.2140008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
On 24 June 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a 49-year-old precedent that provided federal constitutional protection for abortions up to the point of foetal viability, returning jurisdiction to the individual states. Restrictions that came into effect automatically in several states, and are anticipated in others, will severely limit access to abortions in approximately half of the US. Even though every state allows for exceptions to the abortion bans, in some instances these exceptions can be used to preserve the health of a pregnant patient, while in other instances, only to preserve their life. The vague and confusing nature of the abortion ban exceptions threatens to compromise the standard of care for patients with pregnancy complications that are distinct from abortions, such as nonviable pregnancies, miscarriages, and ectopic pregnancies. Additionally, we envision challenges for the treatment of women with certain autoimmune conditions, pregnant cancer patients, and patients contemplating preimplantation genetic diagnosis as part of assisted reproductive technologies. The abortion ban exceptions will impact and interfere with the medical care of pregnant and non-pregnant patient populations alike and are poised to create a medical and public health crisis unlike any other one from the recent past.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Stein
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Adi Katz
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frank A Chervenak
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, USA
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Erden YJ, Brey PAE. Ethics guidelines for human enhancement R&D. Science 2022; 378:835-838. [DOI: 10.1126/science.add9079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Technologies to improve human performance raise ethical concerns
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin J. Erden
- Department of Philosophy, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Philip A. E. Brey
- Department of Philosophy, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
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Lencz T, Sabatello M, Docherty A, Peterson RE, Soda T, Austin J, Bierut L, Crepaz-Keay D, Curtis D, Degenhardt F, Huckins L, Lazaro-Munoz G, Mattheisen M, Meiser B, Peay H, Rietschel M, Walss-Bass C, Davis LK. Concerns about the use of polygenic embryo screening for psychiatric and cognitive traits. Lancet Psychiatry 2022; 9:838-844. [PMID: 35931093 PMCID: PMC9930635 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(22)00157-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Private companies have begun offering services to allow parents undergoing in-vitro fertilisation to screen embryos for genetic risk of complex diseases, including psychiatric disorders. This procedure, called polygenic embryo screening, raises several difficult scientific and ethical issues, as discussed in this Personal View. Polygenic embryo screening depends on the statistical properties of polygenic risk scores, which are complex and not well studied in the context of this proposed clinical application. The clinical, social, and ethical implications of polygenic embryo screening have barely been discussed among relevant stakeholders. To our knowledge, the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics is the first professional biomedical organisation to issue a statement regarding polygenic embryo screening. For the reasons discussed in this Personal View, the Society urges caution and calls for additional research and oversight on the use of polygenic embryo screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Lencz
- Divison of Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Division of Research, The Zucker Hillside Hospital Division of Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA; Institute for Behavioral Science, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA.
| | - Maya Sabatello
- Division of Ethics, Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anna Docherty
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Roseann E Peterson
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Takahiro Soda
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jehannine Austin
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Laura Bierut
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - David Curtis
- UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Franziska Degenhardt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Laura Huckins
- Departments of Psychiatry and Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Manuel Mattheisen
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie Medical School, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Bettina Meiser
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
| | - Holly Peay
- Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Translational Research Center, RTI International, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Consuelo Walss-Bass
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lea K Davis
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Molecular Characterization of a Rare Case of Monozygotic Dichorionic Diamniotic Twin Pregnancy after Single Blastocyst Transfer in Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810835. [PMID: 36142745 PMCID: PMC9504855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is widely used to select unaffected embryos, increasing the odds of having a healthy baby. During the last few decades, it was accepted that monozygotic dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies occurred from the embryo splitting before Day 3 postfertilization according to Corner’s dogma. Hence, the occurrence of a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy after a single blastocyst transfer was considered a dizygotic pregnancy resulting from blastocyst transfer and concurrent natural fertilization. In our study, we have provided for the first time molecular proof that a single blastocyst transfer can result in a monozygotic dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy, invalidating Corner’s dogma. In this case, we recommend systematically assessing the genetic status of dichorionic twins after single blastocyst transfer using prenatal diagnosis to exclude the risk from a potential concurrent spontaneous pregnancy and to ensure that both fetuses are unaffected. To achieve this goal, we have developed here an innovative noninvasive prenatal diagnosis by exclusion of paternal variants with droplet digital PCR, maximizing the reliability of genetic diagnosis. Further multicentric prospective studies using genetic testing are now required to establish the rate of blastocyst splitting leading to dichorionic pregnancy in PGT and to identify the risk factors.
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Nakasato K, Yamamoto BA, Kato K. Evaluating standards for 'serious' disease for preimplantation genetic testing: a multi-case study on regulatory frameworks in Japan, the UK, and Western Australia. Hum Genomics 2022; 16:16. [PMID: 35585643 PMCID: PMC9115990 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-022-00390-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of countries are leading the way in creating regulatory frameworks for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). Among these countries, a point of consensus is that PGT may be used to avoid the birth of a child with a serious genetic disease. However, standards for evaluating disease severity in this context are not always clear. Considering the numerous medical and social implications of defining a standard for serious disease, our study sought out to better understand how disease severity for PGT is being defined by analyzing and comparing the regulatory landscapes for PGT in various countries. METHODS We carried out a multi-case study analysis using policy documents from the UK, Western Australia, and Japan. Documentary analysis was used to analyze and compare these documents in terms of medical indications for PGT, evaluation methods of applications for PGT, and review frameworks used during the evaluation process, which includes the specific medical and social factors that are considered. RESULTS Within our three case studies, medical indications for PGT are based on an estimated risk of the woman giving birth to a child with a genetic abnormality with known clinical deficits. Evaluation methods for approving applications for PGT include reference to a pre-approved list of genetic conditions (the UK) and case-by-case reviews (all case studies). Review frameworks for case-by-case reviews include reference to a list of considered factors (the UK and Western Australia) and a definition statement of disease severity (Japan), which provide insight into interpretations of disease severity in each context. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study point to the possible medical and social impacts of PGT regulatory frameworks on multiple stakeholders. Furthermore, it suggests that impacts in this case are not only caused by whether PGT is permitted or not, but also by the circumstances under which it is allowed and how decisions regarding its approval are made. Our results may serve as valuable insights for countries that already have established policy for PGT but are considering revision, countries that are without policy, and for discussions on related genetic and reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Nakasato
- Department of Biomedical Ethics and Public Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | | | - Kazuto Kato
- Department of Biomedical Ethics and Public Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
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Pagnaer T, Siermann M, Borry P, Tšuiko O. Polygenic risk scoring of human embryos: a qualitative study of media coverage. BMC Med Ethics 2021; 22:125. [PMID: 34537037 PMCID: PMC8449454 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-021-00694-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) technologies enable embryo genotyping across the whole genome. This has led to the development of polygenic risk scoring of human embryos (PGT-P). Recent implementation of PGT-P, including screening for intelligence, has been extensively covered by media reports, raising major controversy. Considering the increasing demand for assisted reproduction, we evaluated how information about PGT-P is communicated in press media and explored the diversity of ethical themes present in the public debate. METHODS LexisNexis Academic database and Google News were searched to identify articles about polygenic embryo screening. This led to 535 news articles. 59 original articles met the inclusion criteria. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse these articles. RESULTS 8.8% of articles gave embryo polygenic scoring a positive portrayal, while 36.8% expressed a negative attitude. 54.4% were neutral, mostly highlighting limited practical value of the technology in in vitro fertilization settings. We identified five main ethical themes that are also present in academic literature and the broader debate on reproductive technologies: a slippery slope towards designer babies, well-being of the child and parents, impact on society, deliberate choice and societal readiness. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of embryo polygenic profiling engenders a need for specific recommendations. Current media analysis discloses important ethical themes to consider when creating future guidelines for PGT-P.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiny Pagnaer
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maria Siermann
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pascal Borry
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Olga Tšuiko
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, Centre for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Porto A, Gaber Caffrey R, Crowley-Matoka M, Spencer S, Li M, Propst L. Offering preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) for conditions with reduced penetrance or variants of uncertain significance: Ethical insight from U.S. laboratory genetic counselors. J Genet Couns 2021; 31:261-268. [PMID: 34347921 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) was originally developed to identify embryos affected with serious childhood-onset disorders, but its use has recently broadened. Guidance on the use of PGT-M in the United States (U.S.) is currently limited, with no formal laws or guidelines established on its use. The goals of this study were to determine for which types of conditions U.S. laboratories currently do not offer PGT-M, to explore ethical considerations U.S. laboratory genetic counselors (GCs) take into consideration when deciding to accept or reject a PGT-M request, and to explore whether U.S. laboratory GCs believe PGT-M should be offered for conditions with reduced penetrance or for variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with nine genetic counselors, from five different PGT-M laboratories, was conducted. Participants were required to be GCs working at a PGT-M laboratory in the U.S. and either actively counsel patients on PGT-M or determine a patient's eligibility for PGT-M. Two participants reported their separate laboratories have no limitations for allowable PGT-M testing, while the other seven participants representing three other laboratories reported having limitations. The main ethical consideration GCs reported considering when deciding to accept or reject a PGT-M request was patient autonomy, with a focus on the patient understanding risks of the testing. All participants reported believing PGT-M should be allowable for conditions with reduced penetrance and VUS, with all participants stating their respective laboratories allow for this currently. However, all participants reported a lack of sufficient guidelines and that having guidelines from a professional organization would be beneficial to their practice. In conclusion, lack of current guidelines in the United States has created discrepancies between PGT-M laboratories. PGT-M laboratory GCs support the use of PGT-M for conditions with reduced penetrance and VUS with informed consent. The need for guidelines is supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Porto
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut, Norwalk, CT, USA
| | | | - Megan Crowley-Matoka
- Departments of Medical Education/Anthropology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sara Spencer
- Department of Ob/Gyn, Northwestern Medical Group, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mindy Li
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lauren Propst
- Igenomix USA, Torrance, CA, USA.,BillionToOne Inc, Menlo Park, CA, USA
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Turley P, Meyer MN, Wang N, Cesarini D, Hammonds E, Martin AR, Neale BM, Rehm HL, Wilkins-Haug L, Benjamin DJ, Hyman S, Laibson D, Visscher PM. Problems with Using Polygenic Scores to Select Embryos. N Engl J Med 2021; 385:78-86. [PMID: 34192436 PMCID: PMC8387884 DOI: 10.1056/nejmsr2105065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Companies have recently begun to sell a new service to patients considering in vitro fertilization: embryo selection based on polygenic scores (ESPS). These scores represent individualized predictions of health and other outcomes derived from genomewide association studies in adults to partially predict these outcomes. This article includes a discussion of many factors that lower the predictive power of polygenic scores in the context of embryo selection and quantifies these effects for a variety of clinical and nonclinical traits. Also discussed are potential unintended consequences of ESPS (including selecting for adverse traits, altering population demographics, exacerbating inequalities in society, and devaluing certain traits). Recommendations for the responsible communication about ESPS by practitioners are provided, and a call for a society-wide conversation about this technology is made. (Funded by the National Institute on Aging and others.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Turley
- From the University of Southern California (P.T.) and the University of California, Los Angeles (D.J.B.) - both in Los Angeles; Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA (M.N.M.); the National Bureau of Economic Research (N.W., D.C., D.J.B., D.L.), Harvard University (E.H., S.H., D.L.), and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., S.H.) - all in Cambridge, MA; Massachusetts General Hospital (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R.), Harvard Medical School (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., L.W.-H.), and Brigham and Women's Hospital (L.W.-H.) - all in Boston; New York University, New York (D.C.); and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (P.M.V.)
| | - Michelle N Meyer
- From the University of Southern California (P.T.) and the University of California, Los Angeles (D.J.B.) - both in Los Angeles; Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA (M.N.M.); the National Bureau of Economic Research (N.W., D.C., D.J.B., D.L.), Harvard University (E.H., S.H., D.L.), and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., S.H.) - all in Cambridge, MA; Massachusetts General Hospital (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R.), Harvard Medical School (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., L.W.-H.), and Brigham and Women's Hospital (L.W.-H.) - all in Boston; New York University, New York (D.C.); and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (P.M.V.)
| | - Nancy Wang
- From the University of Southern California (P.T.) and the University of California, Los Angeles (D.J.B.) - both in Los Angeles; Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA (M.N.M.); the National Bureau of Economic Research (N.W., D.C., D.J.B., D.L.), Harvard University (E.H., S.H., D.L.), and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., S.H.) - all in Cambridge, MA; Massachusetts General Hospital (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R.), Harvard Medical School (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., L.W.-H.), and Brigham and Women's Hospital (L.W.-H.) - all in Boston; New York University, New York (D.C.); and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (P.M.V.)
| | - David Cesarini
- From the University of Southern California (P.T.) and the University of California, Los Angeles (D.J.B.) - both in Los Angeles; Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA (M.N.M.); the National Bureau of Economic Research (N.W., D.C., D.J.B., D.L.), Harvard University (E.H., S.H., D.L.), and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., S.H.) - all in Cambridge, MA; Massachusetts General Hospital (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R.), Harvard Medical School (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., L.W.-H.), and Brigham and Women's Hospital (L.W.-H.) - all in Boston; New York University, New York (D.C.); and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (P.M.V.)
| | - Evelynn Hammonds
- From the University of Southern California (P.T.) and the University of California, Los Angeles (D.J.B.) - both in Los Angeles; Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA (M.N.M.); the National Bureau of Economic Research (N.W., D.C., D.J.B., D.L.), Harvard University (E.H., S.H., D.L.), and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., S.H.) - all in Cambridge, MA; Massachusetts General Hospital (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R.), Harvard Medical School (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., L.W.-H.), and Brigham and Women's Hospital (L.W.-H.) - all in Boston; New York University, New York (D.C.); and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (P.M.V.)
| | - Alicia R Martin
- From the University of Southern California (P.T.) and the University of California, Los Angeles (D.J.B.) - both in Los Angeles; Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA (M.N.M.); the National Bureau of Economic Research (N.W., D.C., D.J.B., D.L.), Harvard University (E.H., S.H., D.L.), and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., S.H.) - all in Cambridge, MA; Massachusetts General Hospital (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R.), Harvard Medical School (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., L.W.-H.), and Brigham and Women's Hospital (L.W.-H.) - all in Boston; New York University, New York (D.C.); and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (P.M.V.)
| | - Benjamin M Neale
- From the University of Southern California (P.T.) and the University of California, Los Angeles (D.J.B.) - both in Los Angeles; Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA (M.N.M.); the National Bureau of Economic Research (N.W., D.C., D.J.B., D.L.), Harvard University (E.H., S.H., D.L.), and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., S.H.) - all in Cambridge, MA; Massachusetts General Hospital (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R.), Harvard Medical School (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., L.W.-H.), and Brigham and Women's Hospital (L.W.-H.) - all in Boston; New York University, New York (D.C.); and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (P.M.V.)
| | - Heidi L Rehm
- From the University of Southern California (P.T.) and the University of California, Los Angeles (D.J.B.) - both in Los Angeles; Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA (M.N.M.); the National Bureau of Economic Research (N.W., D.C., D.J.B., D.L.), Harvard University (E.H., S.H., D.L.), and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., S.H.) - all in Cambridge, MA; Massachusetts General Hospital (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R.), Harvard Medical School (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., L.W.-H.), and Brigham and Women's Hospital (L.W.-H.) - all in Boston; New York University, New York (D.C.); and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (P.M.V.)
| | - Louise Wilkins-Haug
- From the University of Southern California (P.T.) and the University of California, Los Angeles (D.J.B.) - both in Los Angeles; Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA (M.N.M.); the National Bureau of Economic Research (N.W., D.C., D.J.B., D.L.), Harvard University (E.H., S.H., D.L.), and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., S.H.) - all in Cambridge, MA; Massachusetts General Hospital (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R.), Harvard Medical School (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., L.W.-H.), and Brigham and Women's Hospital (L.W.-H.) - all in Boston; New York University, New York (D.C.); and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (P.M.V.)
| | - Daniel J Benjamin
- From the University of Southern California (P.T.) and the University of California, Los Angeles (D.J.B.) - both in Los Angeles; Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA (M.N.M.); the National Bureau of Economic Research (N.W., D.C., D.J.B., D.L.), Harvard University (E.H., S.H., D.L.), and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., S.H.) - all in Cambridge, MA; Massachusetts General Hospital (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R.), Harvard Medical School (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., L.W.-H.), and Brigham and Women's Hospital (L.W.-H.) - all in Boston; New York University, New York (D.C.); and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (P.M.V.)
| | - Steven Hyman
- From the University of Southern California (P.T.) and the University of California, Los Angeles (D.J.B.) - both in Los Angeles; Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA (M.N.M.); the National Bureau of Economic Research (N.W., D.C., D.J.B., D.L.), Harvard University (E.H., S.H., D.L.), and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., S.H.) - all in Cambridge, MA; Massachusetts General Hospital (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R.), Harvard Medical School (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., L.W.-H.), and Brigham and Women's Hospital (L.W.-H.) - all in Boston; New York University, New York (D.C.); and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (P.M.V.)
| | - David Laibson
- From the University of Southern California (P.T.) and the University of California, Los Angeles (D.J.B.) - both in Los Angeles; Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA (M.N.M.); the National Bureau of Economic Research (N.W., D.C., D.J.B., D.L.), Harvard University (E.H., S.H., D.L.), and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., S.H.) - all in Cambridge, MA; Massachusetts General Hospital (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R.), Harvard Medical School (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., L.W.-H.), and Brigham and Women's Hospital (L.W.-H.) - all in Boston; New York University, New York (D.C.); and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (P.M.V.)
| | - Peter M Visscher
- From the University of Southern California (P.T.) and the University of California, Los Angeles (D.J.B.) - both in Los Angeles; Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA (M.N.M.); the National Bureau of Economic Research (N.W., D.C., D.J.B., D.L.), Harvard University (E.H., S.H., D.L.), and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., S.H.) - all in Cambridge, MA; Massachusetts General Hospital (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R.), Harvard Medical School (A.R.M., B.M.N., H.L.R., L.W.-H.), and Brigham and Women's Hospital (L.W.-H.) - all in Boston; New York University, New York (D.C.); and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (P.M.V.)
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International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART): world report on assisted reproductive technologies, 2013. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:741-756. [PMID: 33926722 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the utilization, effectiveness, and safety of practices in assisted reproductive technology (ART) globally in 2013 and assess global trends over time. DESIGN Retrospective, cross-sectional survey on the utilization, effectiveness, and safety of ART procedures performed globally during 2013. SETTING Seventy-five countries and 2,639 ART clinics. PATIENT(S) Women and men undergoing ART procedures. INTERVENTION(S) All ART. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The ART cycles and outcomes on country-by-country, regional, and global levels. Aggregate country data were processed and analyzed based on methods developed by the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technology (ICMART). RESULT(S) A total of 1,858,500 ART cycles were conducted for the treatment year 2013 across 2,639 clinics in 75 participating countries with a global participation rate of 73.6%. Reported and estimated data suggest 1,160,474 embryo transfers (ETs) were performed resulting in >344,317 babies. From 2012 to 2013, the number of reported aspiration and frozen ET cycles increased by 3% and 16.4%, respectively. The proportion of women aged >40 years undergoing nondonor ART increased from 25.2% in 2012 to 26.3% in 2013. As a percentage of nondonor aspiration cycles, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was similar to results for 2012. The in vitro fertilization (IVF)/ICSI combined delivery rates per fresh aspiration and frozen ET cycles were 24.2% and 22.8%, respectively. In fresh nondonor cycles, single ET increased from 33.7% in 2012 to 36.5% in 2013, whereas the average number of transferred embryos was 1.81-again with wide country variation. The rate of twin deliveries after fresh nondonor transfers was 17.9%; the triplet rate was 0.7%. In frozen ET cycles performed in 2013, single ET was used in 57.6%, with an average of 1.49 embryos transferred and twin and triplet rates of 10.8% and 0.4%, respectively. The cumulative delivery rate per aspiration was 30.4%, similar to that in 2012. Perinatal mortality rate per 1,000 births was 22.2% after fresh IVF/ICSI and 16.8% after frozen ET. The data presented depended on the quality and completeness of the data submitted by individual countries. This report covers approximately two-thirds of world ART activity. Continued efforts to improve the quality and consistency of reporting ART data by registries are still needed. CONCLUSION(S) Reported ART cycles, effectiveness, and safety increased between 2012 and 2013 with adoption of a better method for estimating unreported cycles.
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Lamy F, Ferlini A, Evangelista T. Survey on patients' organisations' knowledge and position paper on screening for inherited neuromuscular diseases in Europe. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:75. [PMID: 33568176 PMCID: PMC7874448 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01670-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of new genetic testing methods and the approval of the first treatments raises questions regarding when and how to perform screening for inherited neuromuscular conditions. Screening directives and access to the different techniques is not uniform across Europe. The patient advisory board of the European reference network for rare neuromuscular diseases (NMD) conducted a qualitative study to understand the state of play of screening for inherited NMD in Europe and patients' needs. RESULTS We collected answers from 30 patient organisations (POs) from 18 European countries. Fifteen acknowledge the existence of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis in their country. Regarding prenatal screening, we had 25 positive answers and 5 negative ones. Twenty-four POs mentioned that newborn screening was available in their country. We had some contradictory answers from POs from the same country and in some cases; diseases said to be part of the screening programmes were not hereditary disorders. Twenty-eight organisations were in favour of screening tests. The reasons for the two negative answers were lack of reimbursement and treatment, religious beliefs and eventual insurance constrains. Most POs (21) were in favour of systematic screening with the option to opt-out. Regarding the timing for screening, "at birth", was the most consensual response. The main priority to perform screening for NMDs was early access to treatment, followed by shorter time to diagnostic, preventive care and genetic counselling. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to assess knowledge and needs of POs concerning screening for NMDs. The knowledge of POs regarding screening techniques is quite uneven. This implies that, even in communities highly motivated and knowledgeable of the conditions they advocate for, there is a need for better information. Differences in the responses to the questions "how and when to screen" shows that the screening path depends on the disease and the presence of a disease modifying treatment. The unmet need for screening inherited NMDs should follow an adaptive pathway related to the fast moving medical landscape of NMDs. International coordination leading to a common policy would certainly be a precious asset tending to harmonize the situation amongst European countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Lamy
- Association Française contre les Myopathies, AFM-Téléthon, Evry, France
| | - A Ferlini
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Teresinha Evangelista
- Neuromuscular Morphology Unit, Myology Institute, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire La Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013, Paris, France. .,AP-HP, Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, Sorbonne Université - Inserm UMRS 974, Paris, France.
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21
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Ye Z, Hu W, Wu B, Zhang Y, Lei C, Williams I, Shouval DS, Kanegane H, Kim KM, de Ridder L, Shah N, Ling G, Yerushalmi B, Kotlarz D, Snapper S, Horn R, Klein C, Muise AM, Huang Y, Uhlig HH. Predictive Prenatal Diagnosis for Infantile-onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease Because of Interleukin-10 Signalling Defects. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2021; 72:276-281. [PMID: 32925557 PMCID: PMC8191811 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000002937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Advances in genetic technologies provide opportunities for patient care and ethical challenges. Clinical care of patients with rare Mendelian disorders is often at the forefront of those developments. Whereas in classical polygenic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the predictive value of genetic variants is very low, predictive prenatal genetic diagnosis can inform families at high risk of severe genetic disorders. Patients with IL-10 signalling defects because of pathogenic variants in IL10RA, Il10RB, and IL10 develop severe infantile onset inflammatory bowel disease that is completely penetrant and has a high morbidity and substantial mortality despite treatment. METHODS We performed a survey among tertiary specialist paediatric centers of 10 countries on the utilization of predictive prenatal genetic diagnosis in IL-10 signalling defects. We retrospectively report prenatal genetics in a series of 8 families. RESULTS International variation in legislation, guidelines, expert opinion, as well as cultural and religious background of families and clinicians results in variable utilization of preimplantation and prenatal genetic testing for IL-10 signalling defects. Eleven referrals for prenatal diagnosis for IL-10 signalling defects were identified across 4 countries. We report on 8 families who underwent prenatal preimplantation monogenic testing after in vitro fertilization (n = 2) and/or by amniocentesis/chorion villus sampling (n = 6). A genetic diagnosis was established in 1 foetus and excluded in 7 foetuses (all IL10RA variants). CONCLUSIONS Prenatal genetic testing for IL10R-defects is feasible, yet the legal and ethical considerations are complex and controversial. In some countries, predictive genetics for IL-10-related signalling defects is entering clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqing Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wenhui Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingbing Wu
- Key Lab of Birth Defects, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueping Zhang
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Caixia Lei
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Isabelle Williams
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dror S. Shouval
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramag Gan, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hirokazu Kanegane
- Department of Child Health and Development, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyung Mo Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center Children’s Hospital 88, Olympic-Ro 43 Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Lissy de Ridder
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Erasmus University Medical Center Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Neil Shah
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Galina Ling
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Baruch Yerushalmi
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Daniel Kotlarz
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Scott Snapper
- Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ruth Horn
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities and the Ethox Centre, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Christoph Klein
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Aleixo M. Muise
- SickKids Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centre and Cell Biology Program, Research Institute
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Holm H. Uhlig
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Biomedical Research Center, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit
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22
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Munday S, Savulescu J. Three models for the regulation of polygenic scores in reproduction. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2021; 47:medethics-2020-106588. [PMID: 33462079 PMCID: PMC8639919 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2020-106588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The past few years have brought significant breakthroughs in understanding human genetics. This knowledge has been used to develop 'polygenic scores' (or 'polygenic risk scores') which provide probabilistic information about the development of polygenic conditions such as diabetes or schizophrenia. They are already being used in reproduction to select for embryos at lower risk of developing disease. Currently, the use of polygenic scores for embryo selection is subject to existing regulations concerning embryo testing and selection. Existing regulatory approaches include 'disease-based' models which limit embryo selection to avoiding disease characteristics (employed in various formats in Australia, the UK, Italy, Switzerland and France, among others), and 'laissez-faire' or 'libertarian' models, under which embryo testing and selection remain unregulated (as in the USA). We introduce a novel 'Welfarist Model' which limits embryo selection according to the impact of the predicted trait on well-being. We compare the strengths and weaknesses of each model as a way of regulating polygenic scores. Polygenic scores create the potential for existing embryo selection technologies to be used to select for a wider range of predicted genetically influenced characteristics including continuous traits. Indeed, polygenic scores exist to predict future intelligence, and there have been suggestions that they will be used to make predictions within the normal range in the USA in embryo selection. We examine how these three models would apply to the prediction of non-disease traits such as intelligence. The genetics of intelligence remains controversial both scientifically and ethically. This paper does not attempt to resolve these issues. However, as with many biomedical advances, an effective regulatory regime must be in place as soon as the technology is available. If there is no regulation in place, then the market effectively decides ethical issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Munday
- Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julian Savulescu
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Biomedical Ethics Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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23
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Vuković P, Peccatori FA, Massarotti C, Miralles MS, Beketić-Orešković L, Lambertini M. Preimplantation genetic testing for carriers of BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 157:103201. [PMID: 33333149 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection of germline BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant has relevant implications for the patients and their family members. Family planning, prophylactic surgery and the possibility of preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) to avoid transmittance of pathogenic variants to the offspring are relevant topics in this setting. PGT-M is valuable option for BRCA carriers, but it remains a controversial and underdiscussed topic. Although the advances in PGT technologies have improved pregnancy rate, there are still several important challenges associated with its use. The purpose of this review is to report the current evidence on PGT-M for BRCA1/2 carriers, ethical concerns and controversy associated with its use, reproductive implications of BRCA pathogenic variants, underlying areas in which an educational effort would be beneficial as well as possibilities for future research efforts in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Vuković
- Division of Radiotherapy and Medical Oncology, University Hospital for Tumors, University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia.
| | - Fedro Alessandro Peccatori
- Fertility and Procreation Unit, Gynecologic Oncology Program, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, 20125, Italy.
| | - Claudia Massarotti
- Physiopathology of Human Reproduction Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, 16132, Italy.
| | | | - Lidija Beketić-Orešković
- Division of Radiotherapy and Medical Oncology, University Hospital for Tumors, University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia; Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia.
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Department of Medical Oncology, U.O.C. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, 16132, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, 16126, Italy.
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24
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Löwy I. ART with PGD: Risky heredity and stratified reproduction. REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE & SOCIETY ONLINE 2020; 11:48-55. [PMID: 33305026 PMCID: PMC7710505 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbms.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was developed to allow women/couples at risk of having a child with 'severe and incurable' hereditary disease to produce embryos through in-vitro fertilization, followed by implantation of embryos devoid of mutated genes, allowing the birth of children free of the pathology present in the family. This article examines the highly regulated practice of PGD in France, the highly deregulated practice of PGD in the USA and Brazil, and the extensive use of this biomedical technology in Israel, and highlights the ways that distinct national policies produce distinct definitions of risk and different norms, standards and rules. PGD, this article argues, is a situated practice. Shaped to an important extent by legal and economic constraints, it displays the ways that new technologies continuously reframe our definitions of the normal and the pathological.
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25
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De Rycke M, Berckmoes V. Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E871. [PMID: 32752000 PMCID: PMC7463885 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has evolved into a well-established alternative to invasive prenatal diagnosis, even though genetic testing of single or few cells is quite challenging. PGT-M is in theory available for any monogenic disorder for which the disease-causing locus has been unequivocally identified. In practice, the list of indications for which PGT is allowed may vary substantially from country to country, depending on PGT regulation. Technically, the switch from multiplex PCR to robust generic workflows with whole genome amplification followed by SNP array or NGS represents a major improvement of the last decade: the waiting time for the couples has been substantially reduced since the customized preclinical workup can be omitted and the workload for the laboratories has decreased. Another evolution is that the generic methods now allow for concurrent analysis of PGT-M and PGT-A. As innovative algorithms are being developed and the cost of sequencing continues to decline, the field of PGT moves forward to a sequencing-based, all-in-one solution for PGT-M, PGT-SR, and PGT-A. This will generate a vast amount of complex genetic data entailing new challenges for genetic counseling. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art for PGT-M and reflect on its future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine De Rycke
- Center for Medical Genetics, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
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26
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Zhytnik L, Simm K, Salumets A, Peters M, Märtson A, Maasalu K. Reproductive options for families at risk of Osteogenesis Imperfecta: a review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:128. [PMID: 32460820 PMCID: PMC7251694 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01404-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a rare genetic disorder involving bone fragility. OI patients typically suffer from numerous fractures, skeletal deformities, shortness of stature and hearing loss. The disorder is characterised by genetic and clinical heterogeneity. Pathogenic variants in more than 20 different genes can lead to OI, and phenotypes can range from mild to lethal forms. As a genetic disorder which undoubtedly affects quality of life, OI significantly alters the reproductive confidence of families at risk. The current review describes a selection of the latest reproductive approaches which may be suitable for prospective parents faced with a risk of OI. The aim of the review is to alleviate suffering in relation to family planning around OI, by enabling prospective parents to make informed and independent decisions. Main body The current review provides a comprehensive overview of possible reproductive options for people with OI and for unaffected carriers of OI pathogenic genetic variants. The review considers reproductive options across all phases of family planning, including pre-pregnancy, fertilisation, pregnancy, and post-pregnancy. Special attention is given to the more modern techniques of assisted reproduction, such as preconception carrier screening, preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic diseases and non-invasive prenatal testing. The review outlines the methodologies of the different reproductive approaches available to OI families and highlights their advantages and disadvantages. These are presented as a decision tree, which takes into account the autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive nature of the OI variants, and the OI-related risks of people without OI. The complex process of decision-making around OI reproductive options is also discussed from an ethical perspective. Conclusion The rapid development of molecular techniques has led to the availability of a wide variety of reproductive options for prospective parents faced with a risk of OI. However, such options may raise ethical concerns in terms of methodologies, choice management and good clinical practice in reproductive care, which are yet to be fully addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidiia Zhytnik
- Clinic of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Kadri Simm
- Institute of Philosophy and Semiotics, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Centre of Ethics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,COMBIVET ERA Chair, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Maire Peters
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Aare Märtson
- Clinic of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Katre Maasalu
- Clinic of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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27
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Abstract
This report is an ethical analysis based on both facts and values. In in vitro fertilization (IVF), there is an intricate interaction between rapid scientific development and changing societal values. In most countries, the ethical discussion is no longer on whether or not IVF in itself is ethically justifiable. Therefore, in this review, I discuss other ethical aspects that have emerged since IVF was first introduced, such as upper age limits, 'ownership' of gametes and embryos, IVF in single women and same-sex couples, preimplantatory genetic testing, social egg freezing, commercialization, public funding, and prioritization of IVF. Despite secularization, since religion still plays an important role in regulation and practices of IVF in many countries, positions on IVF among the world religions are summarized. Decision-making concerning IVF cannot be based only on clinical and economic considerations; these cannot be disentangled from ethical principles. Many concerns regarding the costs, effects, and safety of IVF subtly transcend into more complex questions about what it means to society to bear and give birth to children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjell Asplund
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- CONTACT Kjell Asplund Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Reimersholmsgatan 59, 11740 Stockholm, Sweden
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28
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Ginoza MEC, Isasi R. Regulating Preimplantation Genetic Testing across the World: A Comparison of International Policy and Ethical Perspectives. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:cshperspect.a036681. [PMID: 31506325 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a036681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a reproductive technology that, in the course of in vitro fertilization (IVF), allows prospective parents to select their future offspring based on genetic characteristics. PGT could be seen as an exercise of reproductive liberty, thus potentially raising significant socioethical and legal controversy. In this review, we examine-from a comparative perspective-variations in policy approaches to the regulation of PGT. We draw on a sample of 19 countries (Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States) to provide a global landscape of the spectrum of policy and legislative approaches (e.g., restrictive to permissive, public vs. private models). We also explore central socioethical and policy issues and contentious applications, including permissibility criteria (e.g., medical necessity), nonmedical sex selection, and reproductive tourism. Finally, we further outline genetic counseling requirements across policy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosario Isasi
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA
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29
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Campbell MLH, McNamee MJ. Ethics, Genetic Technologies and Equine Sports: The Prospect of Regulation of a Modified Therapeutic Use Exemption Policy. SPORT ETHICS AND PHILOSOPHY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/17511321.2020.1737204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. L. H Campbell
- Department of Production and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, South Mymms, UK
| | - M. J. McNamee
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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30
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Hreinsson J, Lundin K, Iwarsson E, Hausken J, Einarsson S, Grøndahl ML, Hydén‐Granskog C, Ingerslev HJ. Preimplantation genetic testing legislation and accessibility in the Nordic countries. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2020; 99:716-721. [DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kersti Lundin
- Reproductive Medicine Sahlgrenska University Hospital Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Erik Iwarsson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
- Clinical Genetics Karolinska University Laboratory Karolinska University Hospital Stockholm Sweden
| | | | | | - Marie Louise Grøndahl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Reproductive Medicine Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev Denmark
| | | | - Hans Jakob Ingerslev
- Fertility Unit and Center for Preimplantation Genetic Testing Aalborg University Hospital Aalborg Denmark
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31
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Méjécase C, Malka S, Guan Z, Slater A, Arno G, Moosajee M. Practical guide to genetic screening for inherited eye diseases. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2020; 12:2515841420954592. [PMID: 33015543 PMCID: PMC7513416 DOI: 10.1177/2515841420954592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic eye diseases affect around one in 1000 people worldwide for which the molecular aetiology remains unknown in the majority. The identification of disease-causing gene variant(s) allows a better understanding of the disorder and its inheritance. There is now an approved retinal gene therapy for autosomal recessive RPE65-retinopathy, and numerous ocular gene/mutation-targeted clinical trials underway, highlighting the importance of establishing a genetic diagnosis so patients can fully access the latest research developments and treatment options. In this review, we will provide a practical guide to managing patients with these conditions including an overview of inheritance patterns, required pre- and post-test genetic counselling, different types of cytogenetic and genetic testing available, with a focus on next generation sequencing using targeted gene panels, whole exome and genome sequencing. We will expand on the pros and cons of each modality, variant interpretation and options for family planning for the patient and their family. With the advent of genomic medicine, genetic screening will soon become mainstream within all ophthalmology subspecialties for prevention of disease and provision of precision therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Méjécase
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College
London, London, UK
| | - Samantha Malka
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College
London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
London, UK
| | - Zeyu Guan
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
London, UK
| | - Amy Slater
- Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation
Trust, London, UK
| | - Gavin Arno
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College
London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS
Trust, London, UK
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Professor, Institute of Ophthalmology,
University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS
Trust, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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32
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Karavani E, Zuk O, Zeevi D, Barzilai N, Stefanis NC, Hatzimanolis A, Smyrnis N, Avramopoulos D, Kruglyak L, Atzmon G, Lam M, Lencz T, Carmi S. Screening Human Embryos for Polygenic Traits Has Limited Utility. Cell 2019; 179:1424-1435.e8. [PMID: 31761530 PMCID: PMC6957074 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The increasing proportion of variance in human complex traits explained by polygenic scores, along with progress in preimplantation genetic diagnosis, suggests the possibility of screening embryos for traits such as height or cognitive ability. However, the expected outcomes of embryo screening are unclear, which undermines discussion of associated ethical concerns. Here, we use theory, simulations, and real data to evaluate the potential gain of embryo screening, defined as the difference in trait value between the top-scoring embryo and the average embryo. The gain increases very slowly with the number of embryos but more rapidly with the variance explained by the score. Given current technology, the average gain due to screening would be ≈2.5 cm for height and ≈2.5 IQ points for cognitive ability. These mean values are accompanied by wide prediction intervals, and indeed, in large nuclear families, the majority of children top-scoring for height are not the tallest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehud Karavani
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Or Zuk
- Department of Statistics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190501, Israel
| | - Danny Zeevi
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nir Barzilai
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Genetics, Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Nikos C Stefanis
- Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Eginition Hospital, 115 28 Athens, Greece; University Mental Health Research Institute, 115 27 Athens, Greece; Neurobiology Research Institute, Theodor-Theohari Cozzika Foundation, 115 21 Athens, Greece
| | - Alex Hatzimanolis
- Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Eginition Hospital, 115 28 Athens, Greece; Neurobiology Research Institute, Theodor-Theohari Cozzika Foundation, 115 21 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Smyrnis
- Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Eginition Hospital, 115 28 Athens, Greece; University Mental Health Research Institute, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Avramopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Leonid Kruglyak
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Gil Atzmon
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Genetics, Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Max Lam
- Division of Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, NY 11004, USA; Institute of Behavioral Science, Feinstein Institutes of Medical Research, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Todd Lencz
- Division of Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, NY 11004, USA; Institute of Behavioral Science, Feinstein Institutes of Medical Research, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA.
| | - Shai Carmi
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.
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v. Hammerstein AL, Eggel M, Biller-Andorno N. Is selecting better than modifying? An investigation of arguments against germline gene editing as compared to preimplantation genetic diagnosis. BMC Med Ethics 2019; 20:83. [PMID: 31752935 PMCID: PMC6869262 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-019-0411-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent scientific advances in the field of gene editing have led to a renewed discussion on the moral acceptability of human germline modifications. Gene editing methods can be used on human embryos and gametes in order to change DNA sequences that are associated with diseases. Modifying the human germline, however, is currently illegal in many countries but has been suggested as a 'last resort' option in some reports. In contrast, preimplantation genetic (PGD) diagnosis is now a well-established practice within reproductive medicine. Both methods can be used to prevent children from being born with severe genetic diseases. MAIN TEXT This paper focuses on four moral concerns raised in the debate about germline gene editing (GGE) and applies them to the practice of PGD for comparison: Violation of human dignity, disrespect of the autonomy and the physical integrity of the future child, discrimination of people living with a disability and the fear of slippery slope towards immoral usage of the technology, e.g. designing children for specific third party interests. Our analysis did not reveal any fundamental differences with regard to the four concerns. CONCLUSION We argue that with regard to the four arguments analyzed in this paper germline gene editing should be considered morally (at least) as acceptable as the selection of genomes on the basis of PGD. However, we also argue that any application of GGE in reproductive medicine should be put on hold until thorough and comprehensive laws have been implemented to prevent the abuse of GGE for non-medical enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alix Lenia v. Hammerstein
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 30, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Eggel
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 30, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nikola Biller-Andorno
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 30, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
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Carzis B, Wainstein T, Gobetz L, Krause A. Review of 10 years of preimplantation genetic diagnosis in South Africa: implications for a low-to-middle-income country. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1909-1916. [PMID: 31350724 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01537-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) service, for the period of January 2006 to December 2016, through a South African academic and diagnostic Human Genetics Unit, and to assess the outcomes and cost of PGD. METHODS A retrospective review of PGD files available at the Human Genetics Unit was performed. Data was collected from genetic counseling, fertility, and PGD-specific records. RESULTS Amongst the 22 couples who had PGD, 42 in vitro fertilisation cycles were completed with 228 embryos biopsied and included in the analysis. Most (59%) of the conditions for which PGD was requested were autosomal recessive. Of the biopsied embryos, 71/228 (31.1%) were suitable for transfer and 41/71 (57.7%) were transferred. Of these, 14/41 (34.0%) successfully implanted and 11/14 (78.6%) resulted in a liveborn infant. The clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was 29.3%. Overall, 10/22 (45.5%) couples had a successful cycle resulting in a liveborn infant. On average, one cycle of PGD costs USD 9525. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to assess the success rates and the cost of PGD in South Africa and provides evidence for the feasibility in a low-to-middle-income country. The success rates in this sample are comparable to those achieved globally. South Africa has the infrastructure and expertise to provide PGD; the limiting factor is the lack of funding initiatives for PGD. Although the sample size was small, the findings from this study will enable genetic counselors to offer couples in South Africa evidence-based and locally accurate information regarding outcomes, success rates, and costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Carzis
- Division of Human Genetics, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. .,Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Tasha Wainstein
- Division of Human Genetics, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lawrence Gobetz
- Vitalab Centre for Assisted Conception, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Amanda Krause
- Division of Human Genetics, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Couture V, Drouin R, Moutquin JM, Bouffard C. Cross-border preimplantation genetic diagnosis. REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE & SOCIETY ONLINE 2018; 6:22. [PMID: 30417135 PMCID: PMC6214834 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbms.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Couture
- Department of Pediatrics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Régen Drouin
- Department of Pediatrics, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Marie Moutquin
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, Université de Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Chantal Bouffard
- Department of Pediatrics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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Ishii T, Palacios-González C. Mitochondrial Replacement Techniques: Genetic Relatedness, Gender Implications, and Justice. GENDER AND THE GENOME 2017; 1:129-134. [PMID: 32954204 PMCID: PMC7500077 DOI: 10.1089/gg.2017.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2015 the United Kingdom (UK) became the first nation to legalize egg and zygotic nuclear transfer procedures using mitochondrial replacement techniques (MRTs) to prevent the maternal transmission of serious mitochondrial DNA diseases to offspring. These techniques are a form of human germline genetic modification and can happen intentionally if female embryos are selected during the MRT clinical process, either through sperm selection or preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). In the same year, an MRT was performed by a United States (U.S.)-based physician team. This experiment involved a cross-border effort: the MRT procedure per se was carried out in the US, and the embryo transfer in Mexico. The authors examine the ethics of MRTs from the standpoint of genetic relatedness and gender implications, in places that lack adequate laws and regulation regarding assisted reproduction. Then, we briefly examine whether MRTs can be justified as a reproductive option in the US and Mexico, after reassessing their legalization in the UK. We contend that morally inadequate and ineffective regulations regarding egg donation, PGD, and germline genetic modifications jeopardize the ethical acceptability of the implementation of MRTs, suggesting that MRTs are currently difficult to justify in the US and Mexico. In addition to relevant regulation, the initiation and appropriate use of MRTs in a country require a child-centered follow-up policy and more evidence for its safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Ishii
- Office of Health and Safety, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - César Palacios-González
- Centre of Medical Law and Ethics, The Dickson Poon School of Law, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Mishtal J, Radkowska-Walkowicz M. Introduction. REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE & SOCIETY ONLINE 2016; 3:36-40. [PMID: 30131979 PMCID: PMC6101170 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbms.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Mishtal
- Department of Anthropology, University of Central Florida, US
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