[Ethical issues in oncogenetics]

Abstract

Thanks to progress in molecular genetics, we now have new powerful tools allowing certain or highly presumptive prediction of disease course. The impact on medical practice has been disconcerting. These tools may be very helpful for many patients and families concerned by genetic diseases. For health professionals, the new knowledge must be handled with care to discern the true patient benefit. The patient-doctor relationship - from information delivery, with its known or unknown effects on the individual patient and his/her family and offspring, to the new prospects for gene therapy - must be conducted in a spirit of free exchange allowing responsible real life decision making. Living necessarily implies taking risks, but also trusting human capacity to establish mutual relationships on the basis of trust, fellowship and fraternity.