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Embryos Screened for Cancer Risk

Targeting breast cancer gene raises fears of "designer babies"

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 26, 2007 10:57 AM CDT

(Newser) – The British government is poised to OK a procedure that screens embryos for genes that greatly increase the risk—but do not necessarily cause—breast cancer. Two couples with strong family histories of the disease are expected to pioneer the technique, already approved in principle, and crank up the debate over "designer babies."

Britain now permits screening for genes that carry a 90% or greater chance of causing disease. Doctors will screen the couples' embryos for the BRCA1 gene, which raises the risk of cancer in adulthood by as much as 80%. Critics fear that the procedure is a gateway to selecting embryos for appearance or intelligence rather than health concerns.

Embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen until needed for fertilization or testing. (KRT Photos)

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Embryos Screened for Cancer Risk

Targeting breast cancer gene raises fears of "designer babies"

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Embryos Screened for Cancer Risk

Targeting breast cancer gene raises fears of "designer babies"

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Related articles

cancer • breast cancer • genetics • science • designer baby • in vitro fertilization • genetic testing • genetic screening • embryo

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

DIY Gene Test: Get Results in the Mail

New home exam lets users swab cheeks, send away for info

Colon Cancer Gene Tagged

But the risk isn't significant enough for testing, say researchers

Drug Offers Hope for Genetic Breast Cancer Sufferers

First-of-its-kind drug slows, stops tumor growth

Gene Discovery Raises Breast Cancer Hopes

Targeted therapy may prevent lethal spread, researchers say

Gene Test May Rewrite Breast Cancer Screening

Mouth swab will offer more precise measure

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?