Ethical issues in umbilical cord blood banking

Article Abstract:

A panel of experts has issued recommendations for the collection and storage of umbilical cord blood. This blood from a newborn baby's umbilical cord is normally discarded, but it is a good source of stem cells, which are the precursor of all blood cells. Thus it can be transplanted into patients with certain blood diseases. However, the technique is still considered to be an investigational, unproven treatment. The only cord blood banks in existence are all run by private companies. Much of their marketing literature may be very misleading and consequently, they should be closely monitored.

Blood collection and preservation, Fetal blood, Hematopoietic stem cells, Storage, Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

---

Genetic testing for cancer risk: how to reconcile the conflicts

Article Abstract:

Testing for genes that may increase the risk of cancer is not yet ready for widespread use as a screening tool. Scientists have identified breast cancer genes that may substantially increase the risks of breast and ovarian cancer in some women. How these genes affect the development or progression of cancer, or predict the prognosis for patients, remains unclear. Some experts believe such testing should be used only as a research tool, while cancer physicians feel the tests may be informative in selected patients.

Reports, Genetic aspects, Breast cancer, Genetic screening, Genetic testing, United States. National Institutes of Health. Office of Human Genome Research, National Breast Cancer Coalition, American Society of Clinical Oncology

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Effect of oral contraceptive progestins on serum copper concentration. Use of oral contraceptives and serum beta-carotene
• Abstracts: Pharmacogenetics in cancer treatment. Pharmacogenomics and individualized drug therapy. Functional genomics of the paraoxonase (PON1) polymorphisms: effects on pesticide sensitivity, cardiovascular disease, and drug metabolism
• Abstracts: Medicine and public health join forces. Iraq targets basic health needs. Virtual patients help medical students link basic science with clinical care
• Abstracts: Racial and ethnic disparities in HIV diagnoses for women in the United States. Estimated number of children left motherless by AIDS in the United States, 1978-1998
• Abstracts: To test or not to test. Down on the farm in Tuscany. Raise a brilliant baby

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.