A DNA Dilemma
Fan Chen, a new post-graduate researcher in Dr. Thomas's
laboratory, is studying the genetics of a neurological
disorder. Fan is still learning English and adjusting to a
new culture and research environment. Mark Adams, a graduate
student in Thomas's laboratory, is studying the genetics of
breast cancer. Thomas and Mark have worked very hard to get
IRB approval to collect human DNA samples from breast cancer
patients and their family members. Through this process, Mark
has learned a great deal about human subject research.
According to the IRB-approved protocol, blood will be drawn,
DNA extracted and samples coded by clinical laboratory
technicians with no connection to the Thomas laboratory. The
linking identifiers for each sample will be locked in a file
cabinet, and only two clinicians, who are not involved in the
research study, will have access to the files. This
arrangement is intended to maintain the donors'
confidentiality and is outlined in the consent form. Thomas's
laboratory receives only the vials of donor DNA number-coded
with highly visible red tags attached to each tube.
One morning, as Mark enters the laboratory, he walks past
Fan's bench and greets him. Something catches Mark's eye.
Mark notices the red-tagged tubes in a bucket of ice sitting
on Fan's bench. Mark knows that Fan is not working on the
breast cancer study. At first, Mark believes there has just
been a mistake or a misunderstanding. He explains to Fan that
the red-tagged tubes contain DNA samples collected for use in
the breast cancer study. Fan replies that Thomas authorized
the use of a small amount of the breast cancer DNA as a
control in the neurology study and shows Mark a handwritten
note from Thomas that confirms Fan's account.
Mark feels uneasy about this use of the breast cancer DNA.
He returns to his desk to review an unsigned consent form he
has on file, which is just like the one that every donor
signs before participating in the study. He notes that the
consent form does not state that the DNA will be used in
other studies; however, Mark also notices that the consent
form does not directly indicate that the samples will not be
used in other studies, either. Mark keeps coming back to the
introductory statement of the consent form, which contains
the following wording: "...you are being asked to participate
in a breast cancer study to test for..." He can't seem to
dismiss this statement.
Discussion Questions:
- What should Mark do?
- What is Fan's responsibility?
- Suppose that Mark ignores Fan's use of the DNA, but
later he hears that Fan is planning to publish a paper
based on some of the results he obtained from the use of
the DNA. Does this development change what you think Mark
should do?
- What if Mark ignores Fan's use of the DNA and Mark
hears nothing of it thereafter?
- What are the institution's role and
responsibility?
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Participant Commentary: A DNA Dilemma
Participant's commentary on issues of responsibilities, human subject research ethics and regulations, and responsibility of institutions.
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Commentary: A DNA Dilemma
Commentary on issues of responsibilities, human subject research ethics and regulations, and responsibility of institutions.