THE CANCER GENETIC COUNSELING BLOG PROVIDES THE LATEST GENETIC COUNSELING AND TESTING INFORMATION SO PEOPLE AT INCREASED RISK FOR HEREDITARY CANCER CAN MAKE INFORMED MEDICAL DECISIONS. THESE INTERVENTIONS CAN HAVE A HUGE IMPACT ON A PERSON'S LIFE BY ALLOWING THEM TO TAILOR THEIR HEALTH CARE AND REDUCE THEIR RISK OF DEVELOPING CANCER. THE BLOG DOES NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF YALE CANCER CENTER LEADERSHIP OR FACULTY, BUT IS WRITTEN BY AN INDIVIDUAL.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Should our genes be patented?
Myriad’s patents on the BRCA genes (associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer) include a sequence of DNA that is found in millions of other locations in the genome. Anyone making, using, selling, or importing this segment is in violation of these patents. Upon inspection, these patents appear to be surprisingly broad, and if enforced would have substantial implications for medical practice and scientific research. What do you think: should our genes be patented?