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Ochang P, Eke D, Stahl BC. Towards an understanding of global brain data governance: ethical positions that underpin global brain data governance discourse. Front Big Data 2023; 6:1240660. [PMID: 38025947 PMCID: PMC10665841 DOI: 10.3389/fdata.2023.1240660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The study of the brain continues to generate substantial volumes of data, commonly referred to as "big brain data," which serves various purposes such as the treatment of brain-related diseases, the development of neurotechnological devices, and the training of algorithms. This big brain data, generated in different jurisdictions, is subject to distinct ethical and legal principles, giving rise to various ethical and legal concerns during collaborative efforts. Understanding these ethical and legal principles and concerns is crucial, as it catalyzes the development of a global governance framework, currently lacking in this field. While prior research has advocated for a contextual examination of brain data governance, such studies have been limited. Additionally, numerous challenges, issues, and concerns surround the development of a contextually informed brain data governance framework. Therefore, this study aims to bridge these gaps by exploring the ethical foundations that underlie contextual stakeholder discussions on brain data governance. Method In this study we conducted a secondary analysis of interviews with 21 neuroscientists drafted from the International Brain Initiative (IBI), LATBrain Initiative and the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa (SONA) who are involved in various brain projects globally and employing ethical theories. Ethical theories provide the philosophical frameworks and principles that inform the development and implementation of data governance policies and practices. Results The results of the study revealed various contextual ethical positions that underscore the ethical perspectives of neuroscientists engaged in brain data research globally. Discussion This research highlights the multitude of challenges and deliberations inherent in the pursuit of a globally informed framework for governing brain data. Furthermore, it sheds light on several critical considerations that require thorough examination in advancing global brain data governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschal Ochang
- Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Damian Eke
- Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Bernd Carsten Stahl
- Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
- School of Computer Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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2
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de Mul N, Verlaan D, Ruurda JP, van Grevenstein WMU, Hagendoorn J, de Borst GJ, Vriens MR, de Bree R, Zweemer RP, Vogely C, Haitsma Mulier JLG, Vernooij LM, Reitsma JB, de Zoete MR, Top J, Kluijtmans JAJ, Hoefer IE, Noordzij P, Rettig T, Marsman M, de Smet AMGA, Derde L, van Waes J, Rijsdijk M, Schellekens WJM, Bonten MJM, Slooter AJC, Cremer OL. Cohort profile of PLUTO: a perioperative biobank focusing on prediction and early diagnosis of postoperative complications. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068970. [PMID: 37076142 PMCID: PMC10124280 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although elective surgery is generally safe, some procedures remain associated with an increased risk of complications. Improved preoperative risk stratification and earlier recognition of these complications may ameliorate postoperative recovery and improve long-term outcomes. The perioperative longitudinal study of complications and long-term outcomes (PLUTO) cohort aims to establish a comprehensive biorepository that will facilitate research in this field. In this profile paper, we will discuss its design rationale and opportunities for future studies. PARTICIPANTS Patients undergoing elective intermediate to high-risk non-cardiac surgery are eligible for enrolment. For the first seven postoperative days, participants are subjected to daily bedside visits by dedicated observers, who adjudicate clinical events and perform non-invasive physiological measurements (including handheld spirometry and single-channel electroencephalography). Blood samples and microbiome specimens are collected at preselected time points. Primary study outcomes are the postoperative occurrence of nosocomial infections, major adverse cardiac events, pulmonary complications, acute kidney injury and delirium/acute encephalopathy. Secondary outcomes include mortality and quality of life, as well as the long-term occurrence of psychopathology, cognitive dysfunction and chronic pain. FINDINGS TO DATE Enrolment of the first participant occurred early 2020. During the inception phase of the project (first 2 years), 431 patients were eligible of whom 297 patients consented to participate (69%). Observed event rate was 42% overall, with the most frequent complication being infection. FUTURE PLANS The main purpose of the PLUTO biorepository is to provide a framework for research in the field of perioperative medicine and anaesthesiology, by storing high-quality clinical data and biomaterials for future studies. In addition, PLUTO aims to establish a logistical platform for conducting embedded clinical trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05331118.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki de Mul
- Department of Anaesthesiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Julius Center, Department of Epidemiology, Program of Infectious Diseases, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Diede Verlaan
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Julius Center, Department of Epidemiology, Program of Infectious Diseases, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jelle P Ruurda
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Upper Gastro-Intestinal Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jeroen Hagendoorn
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hepatobilliary and Pancreatic Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gert-Jan de Borst
- Department of Vascular Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Menno R Vriens
- Department of Endocrine and Surgical Oncology, Cancer Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Remco de Bree
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald P Zweemer
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Charles Vogely
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jelle L G Haitsma Mulier
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Julius Center, Department of Epidemiology, Program of Infectious Diseases, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lisette M Vernooij
- Department of Anaesthesiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Antonius Ziekenhuis Nieuwegein, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes B Reitsma
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel R de Zoete
- Department of Medical Microbiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Janetta Top
- Department of Medical Microbiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan A J Kluijtmans
- Department of Medical Microbiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Imo E Hoefer
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Universitair Medisch Centrum, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Noordzij
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Antonius Ziekenhuis Nieuwegein, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs Rettig
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Amphia Hospital site Molengracht, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Marije Marsman
- Department of Anaesthesiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lennie Derde
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith van Waes
- Department of Anaesthesiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mienke Rijsdijk
- Department of Anaesthesiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Willem Jan M Schellekens
- Department of Anaesthesiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Marc J M Bonten
- Julius Center, Department of Epidemiology, Program of Infectious Diseases, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arjen J C Slooter
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf L Cremer
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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3
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The ethical and legal landscape of brain data governance. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273473. [PMID: 36580464 PMCID: PMC9799320 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroscience research is producing big brain data which informs both advancements in neuroscience research and drives the development of advanced datasets to provide advanced medical solutions. These brain data are produced under different jurisdictions in different formats and are governed under different regulations. The governance of data has become essential and critical resulting in the development of various governance structures to ensure that the quality, availability, findability, accessibility, usability, and utility of data is maintained. Furthermore, data governance is influenced by various ethical and legal principles. However, it is still not clear what ethical and legal principles should be used as a standard or baseline when managing brain data due to varying practices and evolving concepts. Therefore, this study asks what ethical and legal principles shape the current brain data governance landscape? A systematic scoping review and thematic analysis of articles focused on biomedical, neuro and brain data governance was carried out to identify the ethical and legal principles which shape the current brain data governance landscape. The results revealed that there is currently a large variation of how the principles are presented and discussions around the terms are very multidimensional. Some of the principles are still at their infancy and are barely visible. A range of principles emerged during the thematic analysis providing a potential list of principles which can provide a more comprehensive framework for brain data governance and a conceptual expansion of neuroethics.
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Beusink M, Broeks A, van Kemenade FJ, Lam KH, Schmidt MK, Rebers S. Barriers and Facilitators for Implementing a National Guideline to Foster the Responsible Use of Residual Biospecimens and Data in Health Research. Biopreserv Biobank 2021; 20:67-74. [PMID: 34582256 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2020.0164] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Residual biospecimens that are stored in hospitals' diagnostic specimen archives can be used for scientific research under strict legal and ethical regulations. In the Netherlands, a Code of Conduct governs responsible secondary use of residual biospecimens. However, implementation of this Code seems to be challenging. This study aims to explore the most important factors that facilitate or hinder the implementation of the Code. In addition, it investigates what is needed to further foster the responsible use of residual biospecimens. A mixed-methods design was used. Questionnaires were sent out to pathologists, patient information centers, physicians, researchers, data protection officers (DPOs), members of research ethics committees, and members of the boards of directors of all hospitals in the Netherlands (81 hospitals). To further investigate the barriers and facilitators, interviews were conducted with pathologists, patient information centers, physician-researchers, DPOs, review boards, research coordinators, and quality managers of pathology departments. In total, 246 respondents filled out the questionnaire and 36 interviews were conducted. Major barriers for implementing were a lack of resources (time, money), a lack of attention for responsible use, and a lack of practical knowledge (knowing what to do, where to go with questions). In contrast, the perception that implementing the Code was necessary, either by the respondent or by colleagues, was considered "a driver" for implementation. Practical instruments such as checklists and roadmaps were considered necessary to foster implementation; however, the creation of such instruments was hindered by a lack of clear-cut answers regarding legal aspects. Therefore, more clarity and harmonization on how to interpret both the Code and legislation regarding secondary use were considered necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Beusink
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annegien Broeks
- Core Facility-Molecular Pathology and Biobanking, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - King H Lam
- Pathology Department, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjanka K Schmidt
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne Rebers
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Trein P, Wagner J. Governing Personalized Health: A Scoping Review. Front Genet 2021; 12:650504. [PMID: 33968134 PMCID: PMC8097042 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.650504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic research is advancing rapidly. One important area for the application of the results from this work is personalized health. These are treatments and preventive interventions tailored to the genetic profile of specific groups or individuals. The inclusion of personalized health in existing health systems is a challenge for policymakers. In this article, we present the results of a thematic scoping review of the literature dealing with governance and policy of personalized health. Our analysis points to four governance challenges that decisionmakers face against the background of personalized health. First, researchers have highlighted the need to further extend and harmonize existing research infrastructures in order to combine different types of genetic data. Second, decisionmakers face the challenge to create trust in personalized health applications, such as genetic tests. Third, scholars have pointed to the importance of the regulation of data production and sharing to avoid discrimination of disadvantaged groups and to facilitate collaboration. Fourth, researchers have discussed the challenge to integrate personalized health into regulatory-, financing-, and service provision structures of existing health systems. Our findings summarize existing research and help to guide further policymaking and research in the field of personalized health governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Trein
- Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joël Wagner
- Department of Actuarial Science, Faculty of Business and Economics (HEC Lausanne), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Finance Institute, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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6
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History of the largest global biobanks, ethical challenges, registration, and biological samples ownership. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-021-01504-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Human genome editing technologies offer much potential benefit. However, central to any conversation relating to the application of such technologies are certain ethical, legal, and social difficulties around their application. The recent misuse, or inappropriate use, by certain Chinese actors of the application of genome editing technologies has been, of late, well noted and described. Consequently, caution is expressed by various policy experts, scientists, bioethicists, and members of the public with regard to the appropriate use of human germline genome editing and its possible future effect on future generations. MAIN TEXT As concerns about the applications of heritable genome editing have grown, so too have the questions around what is to be done to curtail 'rogue actors'. This paper explores various ways in which to regulate genomic editing that are socially beneficial, while being cognisant of legal and ethical principles and rights values. This is done by evolving regulatory frameworks across jurisdictions in an attempt to raise issues, address common principles, and set responsible standards for stewardship of the novel technology. CONCLUSIONS It is suggested that robust and concrete regulatory measures be introduced that are culturally and contextually sensitive, inclusive, appropriate, and trustworthy - and are based on public empowerment and human rights objectives. Doing so will ensure that we are perfectly positioned to harness and promote the benefits that novel technologies have to offer, while safeguarding public health and curtailing the ambitions of rogue actors. This it is acknowledged is no easy task, so, as a point of departure, this paper sets out a path forward by means of certain, practical recommendations - by constructing genome editing regulation in a manner that both fulfils the desire to better progress human health and that can withstand legal and ethical scrutiny. The following observations and recommendations are made: Firstly, that a solution of effective, legitimate governance should consist of a combination of national and supranational legislative regulation or 'hard' law, in combination with 'soft' ethics, firmly anchored in and underpinned by human rights values. Second, that efforts to support legal and ethical solutions should be rigorous, practical, and robust, contribute to a reaffirmation of human rights in a contextually sensitive manner, and be transnational in reach. Lastly, that greater harmonisation across jurisdictions and increased public engagement be sought. This it is proposed will address the question of how to implement a normative framework which in turn can prevent future rogue actors.
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8
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Thorogood A. International Data Sharing and Rare Disease: The Importance of Ethics and Patient Involvement. Rare Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.91237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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Petersen C. User-focused data sharing agreements: a foundation for the genomic future. JAMIA Open 2020; 2:402-406. [PMID: 32025634 PMCID: PMC6993993 DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooz043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Data sharing agreements that clearly describe what individuals are agreeing to and what responsibilities data stewards will undertake are crucial for the establishment, maintenance, and flourishing of genomic datasets. To optimize genomic data resources, researchers, care professionals, and informaticians must regard system design, user objectives, and environmental considerations through users' eyes, identifying fundamental values on which to build and potential barriers to success that must be avoided. Design of agreements that promote desired data sharing and protect valuable data resources as necessary begins with a review of user interests and concerns. Nontraditional approaches for informed consent (eg, abbreviated informed consent, electronic informed consent, and dynamic consent) can facilitate achievement of data donors' privacy-related goals while making data available to researchers. Transparency in individual-researcher interactions, recognition and accommodation of cultural differences, and identification of shared needs and goals create a foundation for data sharing agreements that work over short and long terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Petersen
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Global Business Solutions, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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10
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Staunton C, Adams R, Dove ES, Harriman N, Horn L, Labuschaigne M, Mulder N, Olckers A, Pope A, Ramsay M, Swanepoel C, Ni Loideain N, De Vries J. Ethical and practical issues to consider in the governance of genomic and human research data and data sharing in South Africa: a meeting report. AAS Open Res 2019; 2:15. [PMID: 32259025 PMCID: PMC7118803 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.12968.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic research and biobanking has undergone exponential growth in Africa and at the heart of this research is the sharing of biospecimens and associated clinical data amongst researchers in Africa and across the world. While this move towards open science is progressing, there has been a strengthening internationally of data protection regulations that seek to safeguard the rights of data subjects while promoting the movement of data for the benefit of research. In line with this global shift, many jurisdictions in Africa are introducing data protection regulations, but there has been limited consideration of the regulation of data sharing for genomic research and biobanking in Africa. South Africa (SA) is one country that has sought to regulate the international sharing of data and has enacted the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) 2013 that will change the governance and regulation of data in SA, including health research data, once it is in force. To identify and discuss challenges and opportunities in the governance of data sharing for genomic and health research data in SA, a two-day meeting was convened in February 2019 in Cape Town, SA with over 30 participants with expertise in law, ethics, genomics and biobanking science, drawn from academia, industry, and government. This report sets out some of the key challenges identified during the workshop and the opportunities and limitations of the current regulatory framework in SA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Adams
- Information Law and Policy Centre, Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London, London, UK.,Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edward S Dove
- School of Law, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Lyn Horn
- Office of Research Integrity, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Nicola Mulder
- Computational Biology Division, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Anne Pope
- Department of Private Law, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michèle Ramsay
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Carmen Swanepoel
- Division of Haematological Pathology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Services, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nora Ni Loideain
- Information Law and Policy Centre, Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London, London, UK
| | - Jantina De Vries
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Maxson Jones K, Ankeny RA, Cook-Deegan R. The Bermuda Triangle: The Pragmatics, Policies, and Principles for Data Sharing in the History of the Human Genome Project. JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF BIOLOGY 2018; 51:693-805. [PMID: 30390178 PMCID: PMC7307446 DOI: 10.1007/s10739-018-9538-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The Bermuda Principles for DNA sequence data sharing are an enduring legacy of the Human Genome Project (HGP). They were adopted by the HGP at a strategy meeting in Bermuda in February of 1996 and implemented in formal policies by early 1998, mandating daily release of HGP-funded DNA sequences into the public domain. The idea of daily sharing, we argue, emanated directly from strategies for large, goal-directed molecular biology projects first tested within the "community" of C. elegans researchers, and were introduced and defended for the HGP by the nematode biologists John Sulston and Robert Waterston. In the C. elegans community, and subsequently in the HGP, daily sharing served the pragmatic goals of quality control and project coordination. Yet in the HGP human genome, we also argue, the Bermuda Principles addressed concerns about gene patents impeding scientific advancement, and were aspirational and flexible in implementation and justification. They endured as an archetype for how rapid data sharing could be realized and rationalized, and permitted adaptation to the needs of various scientific communities. Yet in addition to the support of Sulston and Waterston, their adoption also depended on the clout of administrators at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the UK nonprofit charity the Wellcome Trust, which together funded 90% of the HGP human sequencing effort. The other nations wishing to remain in the HGP consortium had to accommodate to the Bermuda Principles, requiring exceptions from incompatible existing or pending data access policies for publicly funded research in Germany, Japan, and France. We begin this story in 1963, with the biologist Sydney Brenner's proposal for a nematode research program at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) at the University of Cambridge. We continue through 2003, with the completion of the HGP human reference genome, and conclude with observations about policy and the historiography of molecular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Maxson Jones
- Department of History, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
- MBL McDonnell Foundation Scholar, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA.
| | - Rachel A Ankeny
- School of Humanities, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Robert Cook-Deegan
- School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Consortium for Science, Policy & Outcomes, Arizona State University, Barrett & O'Connor Washington Center, Washington, D.C., USA
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Abstract
Recent highly publicized privacy breaches in healthcare and genomics research have led many to question whether current standards of data protection are adequate. Improvements in de-identification techniques, combined with pervasive data sharing, have increased the likelihood that external parties can track individuals across multiple databases. This article focuses on the communication of identifiability risks in the process of obtaining consent for donation and research. Most ethical discussions of identifiability risks have focused on the severity of the risk and how it might be mitigated, and what precisely is at stake in pervasive data sharing. However, there has been little discussion of whether and how to communicate the risk to potential donors. We review the ethical arguments behind favoring different types of risk communication in the consent process, and outline how identifiability concerns can be incorporated into either a detailed or a simplified method of communicating risks during the consent process.
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13
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Shabani M, Borry P. Rules for processing genetic data for research purposes in view of the new EU General Data Protection Regulation. Eur J Hum Genet 2018; 26:149-156. [PMID: 29187736 PMCID: PMC5838983 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-49388-2_23 10.1038/s41431-017-0045-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic data contain sensitive health and non-health-related information about the individuals and their family members. Therefore, adopting adequate privacy safeguards is paramount when processing genetic data for research or clinical purposes. One of the major legal instruments for personal data protection in the EU is the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which has entered into force in May 2016 and repealed the Directive 95/46/EC, with an ultimate goal of enhancing effectiveness and harmonization of personal data protection in the EU. This paper explores the major provisions of the new Regulation with regard to processing genetic data, and assesses the influence of such provisions on reinforcing the legal safeguards when sharing genetic data for research purposes. The new Regulation attempts to elucidate the scope of personal data, by recognizing pseudonymized data as personal (identifiable) data, and including genetic data in the catalog of special categories of data (sensitive data). Moreover, a set of new rules is laid out in the Regulation for processing personal data under the scientific research exemption. For instance, further use of genetic data for scientific research purposes, without obtaining additional consent will be allowed, if the specific conditions is met. The new Regulation has already fueled concerns among various stakeholders, owing to the challenges that may emerge when implementing the Regulation across the countries. Notably, the provided definition for pseudonymized data has been criticized because it leaves too much room for interpretations, and it might undermine the harmonization of the data protection across the countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Shabani
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35 blok d-box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Pascal Borry
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35 blok d-box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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14
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Cook-Deegan R, Ankeny RA, Maxson Jones K. Sharing Data to Build a Medical Information Commons: From Bermuda to the Global Alliance. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2017; 18:389-415. [PMID: 28415857 PMCID: PMC5634517 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-083115-022515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Human Genome Project modeled its open science ethos on nematode biology, most famously through daily release of DNA sequence data based on the 1996 Bermuda Principles. That open science philosophy persists, but daily, unfettered release of data has had to adapt to constraints occasioned by the use of data from individual people, broader use of data not only by scientists but also by clinicians and individuals, the global reach of genomic applications and diverse national privacy and research ethics laws, and the rising prominence of a diverse commercial genomics sector. The Global Alliance for Genomics and Health was established to enable the data sharing that is essential for making meaning of genomic variation. Data-sharing policies and practices will continue to evolve as researchers, health professionals, and individuals strive to construct a global medical and scientific information commons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Cook-Deegan
- School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State University, Washington, DC 20009;
| | - Rachel A Ankeny
- School of Humanities, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Kathryn Maxson Jones
- Program in History of Science, Department of History, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544
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Muruve DA, Mann MC, Chapman K, Wong JF, Ravani P, Page SA, Benediktsson H. The biobank for the molecular classification of kidney disease: research translation and precision medicine in nephrology. BMC Nephrol 2017; 18:252. [PMID: 28747168 PMCID: PMC5530477 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-017-0669-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in technology and the ability to interrogate disease pathogenesis using systems biology approaches are exploding. As exemplified by the substantial progress in the personalized diagnosis and treatment of cancer, the application of systems biology to enable precision medicine in other disciplines such as Nephrology is well underway. Infrastructure that permits the integration of clinical data, patient biospecimens and advanced technologies is required for institutions to contribute to, and benefit from research in molecular disease classification and to devise specific and patient-oriented treatments. METHODS AND RESULTS We describe the establishment of the Biobank for the Molecular Classification of Kidney Disease (BMCKD) at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The BMCKD consists of a fully equipped wet laboratory, an information technology infrastructure, and a formal operational, ethical and legal framework for banking human biospecimens and storing clinical data. The BMCKD first consolidated a large retrospective cohort of kidney biopsy specimens to create a population-based renal pathology database and tissue inventory of glomerular and other kidney diseases. The BMCKD will continue to prospectively bank all kidney biopsies performed in Southern Alberta. The BMCKD is equipped to perform molecular, clinical and epidemiologic studies in renal pathology. The BMCKD also developed formal biobanking procedures for human specimens such as blood, urine and nucleic acids collected for basic and clinical research studies or for advanced diagnostic technologies in clinical care. The BMCKD is guided by standard operating procedures, an ethics framework and legal agreements with stakeholders that include researchers, data custodians and patients. The design and structure of the BMCKD permits its inclusion in a wide variety of research and clinical activities. CONCLUSION The BMCKD is a core multidisciplinary facility that will bridge basic and clinical research and integrate precision medicine into renal pathology and nephrology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Muruve
- Department of Medicine, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada
| | - Michelle C. Mann
- Department of Medicine, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada
| | - Kevin Chapman
- Department of Medicine, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada
| | - Josee F. Wong
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Pietro Ravani
- Department of Medicine, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Stacey A. Page
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Hallgrimur Benediktsson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary and Calgary Laboratory Services, Calgary, AB Canada
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Reichel J. Oversight of EU medical data transfers - an administrative law perspective on cross-border biomedical research administration. HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY 2017; 7:389-400. [PMID: 29308345 PMCID: PMC5741787 DOI: 10.1007/s12553-017-0182-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The notion of privacy has long had a central role in human rights law, not least in connection to health and medicine. International, regional and national bodies have enacted a number of binding and non-binding document for physicians and researchers to adhere to, in order to protect the autonomy, dignity and privacy of patients and research subjects. With the development of new technologies, the right to privacy has gained a new perspective; the right to protection of personal data within information and communication technologies. The right to data protection has been attributed an increasing importance within EU law. Accordingly, the use of health data in medical research in general and in biobank-related medical research in particular, has made data protection law highly relevant. In medical research involving biobanks, transferring human biological samples and/or individual health data is taking place on a daily basis. These transfers involve several oversight bodies, institutional review boards (IRBs), research ethics committees, or even data protection authorities. This article investigates the role of these national oversight bodies in the transfer of health data in cross-border research, from an EU law point of view. A special focus is laid on transfer of health data for research purposes from the EU to the US, in the light of the recently enacted EU-US Privacy Shield. The main question posed is how American oversight bodies for medical research can be expected to handle the increasingly strict EU requirements for the processing of health data in medical research review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Reichel
- Faculty of Law, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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17
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Larsson A. The Need for Research Infrastructures: A Narrative Review of Large-Scale Research Infrastructures in Biobanking. Biopreserv Biobank 2017; 15:375-383. [PMID: 28253021 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2016.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Distributed Research Infrastructures are gaining political traction in Europe to facilitate scientific research. This development has gained particular momentum in the area of biobanking where cross-national attempts have been made toward harmonizing the biobanking standards across the European Union through the establishment of the organization BBMRI (BioBanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure). BBMRI exists as separate national nodes across several European countries, although Sweden took on a pioneering role in its early stages. Thus, the Swedish node, BBMRI.se, was set up in 2009. PURPOSE To document publications addressing the current debate on large-scale distributed medical and/or biobank Research Infrastructures and identify the most pressing issues discussed by these articles through a narrative review. METHODS The Web of Science (WOS) and PubMed databases were searched to find prior studies of large-scale medical Research Infrastructures, with no limits set with regard to study design and/or time period. All identified articles published up until March 2016 were included in the initial review. RESULTS A total of 145 articles were retrieved from WOS and PubMed, though merely 17 ultimately made it past the final exclusion criteria. About two-thirds of the articles listed a first author affiliated to a European country. The articles most commonly discussed the need for developing and expanding the use of "infrastructures." PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The future of scientific research will call for a deeper and more widespread multidisciplinary collaboration. This will emphasize the need of research seeking to optimize the preconditions of securing sustainable scientific collaboration. Future investigators will thus need to understand the components and mechanisms of Research Infrastructures in addition to acquiring knowledge of how to build, manage, brand, and promote them as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Larsson
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management, and Ethics (LIME), Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
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Tarling TE, Lasser F, Carter C, Matzke LA, Dhugga G, Arora N, Dee S, LeBlanc J, Babinsky S, O'Donoghue S, Cheah S, Watson P, Vercauteren SM. Business Planning for a Campus-Wide Biobank. Biopreserv Biobank 2017; 15:37-45. [DOI: 10.1089/bio.2016.0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tamsin E. Tarling
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Candace Carter
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Office of Biobank Education and Research (OBER), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lise A.M. Matzke
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Office of Biobank Education and Research (OBER), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Gurm Dhugga
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nidhi Arora
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Simon Dee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Office of Biobank Education and Research (OBER), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | | | - Sheila O'Donoghue
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Office of Biobank Education and Research (OBER), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Stefanie Cheah
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Office of Biobank Education and Research (OBER), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Peter Watson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Office of Biobank Education and Research (OBER), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Cancer Agency, Victoria, Canada
| | - Suzanne M. Vercauteren
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
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Rothstein MA, Knoppers BM, Harrell HL. Comparative Approaches to Biobanks and Privacy. THE JOURNAL OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS : A JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS 2016; 44:161-172. [PMID: 27256132 DOI: 10.1177/1073110516644207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Laws in the 20 jurisdictions studied for this project display many similar approaches to protecting privacy in biobank research. Although few have enacted biobank-specific legislation, many countries address biobanking within other laws. All provide for some oversight mechanisms for biobank research, even though the nature of that oversight varies between jurisdictions. Most have some sort of controlled access system in place for research with biobank specimens. While broad consent models facilitate biobanking, countries without national or federated biobanks have been slow to adopt broad consent. International guidelines have facilitated sharing and generally take a proportional risk approach, but many countries have provisions guiding international sharing and a few even limit international sharing. Although privacy laws may not prohibit international collaborations, the multi-prong approach to privacy unique to each jurisdiction can complicate international sharing. These symposium issues can serve as a resource for explaining the sometimes intricate privacy laws in each studied jurisdiction, outlining the key issues with regards to privacy and biobanking, and serving to describe a framework for the process of harmonization of privacy laws.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Rothstein
- Mark A. Rothstein, J.D., is the Herbert F. Boehl Chair of Law and Medicine, and Director of the Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Bartha Maria Knoppers, Ph.D., is a Professor of Medicine and Director of the Centre of Genomics and Policy at McGill University. Heather L. Harrell, M.D., J.D., is a Research Professor at the Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law at the University of Louisville School of Medicine
| | - Bartha Maria Knoppers
- Mark A. Rothstein, J.D., is the Herbert F. Boehl Chair of Law and Medicine, and Director of the Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Bartha Maria Knoppers, Ph.D., is a Professor of Medicine and Director of the Centre of Genomics and Policy at McGill University. Heather L. Harrell, M.D., J.D., is a Research Professor at the Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law at the University of Louisville School of Medicine
| | - Heather L Harrell
- Mark A. Rothstein, J.D., is the Herbert F. Boehl Chair of Law and Medicine, and Director of the Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Bartha Maria Knoppers, Ph.D., is a Professor of Medicine and Director of the Centre of Genomics and Policy at McGill University. Heather L. Harrell, M.D., J.D., is a Research Professor at the Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law at the University of Louisville School of Medicine
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