Research ethics and Indigenous Peoples: Repercussions of returning Yanomami blood samples.

This work presents the case of the Yanomami indigenous people from Brazil that were the object of US ethnography initiated in the 1960s. The research brought harmful repercussions to the life of the Indigenous people of Brazil for several decades, and it took more than 40 years until the beginning of a process of reparation involving the Brazilian government and American universities. Objective: to discuss the meaning of the return of Yanomami blood samples, as well as contributions from the epistemologies of traditional Indigenous knowledge to the debate about research ethics and the structuring of means for the social control of researchers and the protection of participants in scientific studies, having as an example the Yanomami indigenous people from Brazil, subjected to noxious ethnography in the 1960s and the 1970s. This work used data reports recorded in secondary sources. In this article we argue that Bioethics needs to further diversify its epistemological foundations and to consider epistemologies and cosmologies beyond the frontiers of Western science, as the case of the abusive research involving the Yanomami indigenous people in Brazil reveals. We argue that traditional knowledge, such as those of indigenous and quilombolas, with their epistemologies and cosmologies, are fundamental for the election of less colonized and more efficient principles of research ethics, regarding the protection of the participants' rights in scientific studies. Traditional indigenous populations can teach us a great deal about doing research.

Current Challenges in Cancer Treatment.

PURPOSE: In this review, we highlight the current concepts and discuss some of the current challenges and future prospects in cancer therapy. We frequently use the example of lung cancer. METHODS: We conducted a nonsystematic PubMed search, selecting the most comprehensive and relevant research articles, clinical trials, translational papers, and review articles on precision oncology and immuno-oncology. Papers were prioritized and selected based on their originality and potential clinical applicability. FINDINGS: Two major revolutions have changed cancer treatment paradigms in the past few years: targeting actionable alterations in oncogene-driven cancers and immuno-oncology. Important challenges are still ongoing in both fields of cancer therapy. On the one hand, druggable genomic alterations are diverse and represent only small subsets of patients in certain tumor types, which limits testing their clinical impact in biomarker-driven clinical trials. Next-generation sequencing technologies are increasingly being implemented for molecular prescreening in clinical research, but issues regarding clinical interpretation of large genomic data make their wide clinical use difficult. Further, dealing with tumor heterogeneity and acquired resistance is probably the main limitation for the success of precision oncology. On the other hand, long-term survival benefits with immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-programmed death cell protein-1/programmed death cell ligand-1[PD-1/L1] and anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 monoclonal antibodies) are restricted to a minority of patients, and no predictive markers are yet robustly validated that could help us recognize these subsets and optimize treatment delivery and selection. To achieve long-term survival benefits, drug combinations targeting several molecular alterations or cancer hallmarks might be needed. This will probably be one of the most challenging but promising precision cancer treatment strategies in the future. IMPLICATIONS: Targeting single molecular abnormalities or cancer pathways has achieved good clinical responses that have modestly affected survival in some cancers. However, this approach to cancer treatment is still reductionist, and many challenges need to be met to improve treatment outcomes with our patients.

Itinerários do cuidar em doenças falciformes e suas repercussões na vida de mulheres / Care itineraries in sickle cell disease and its repercussions on women's lives

As mulheres são historicamente designadas para o ofício de cuidadoras de idosos, crianças e doentes no espaço doméstico. Este artigo discute algumas das repercussões do trabalho de cuidadora informal na vida de 50 mulheres, responsabilizadas pelo tratamento doméstico de crianças com doenças falciformes assistidas por um hospital público no Distrito Federal. Evidencia-se que as mulheres cuidadoras têm sobrecarga de trabalho físico e mental, dificilmente conseguem inserção no mercado de trabalho e estão em constantes relações de conflitos para defender direitos de suas crianças. O artigo discute a invisibilidade do trabalho de cuidadora domiciliar e a necessidade de o Brasil atentar para os direitos dessas mulheres por meio de políticas públicas.

Women are historically the caregivers of children and elderly at home. This article addresses some of the impacts of caregiving on the lives of 50 women responsible for the home treatment of children with sickle cell disease assisted by a public hospital in the Federal District of Brazil. Female caregivers are mentally and physically overloaded, can hardly keep their jobs, and are constantly facing conflicts to defend their children's rights. This article discusses the invisibility of maternal caregiving as work and the need for Brazil to protect these women's rights by means of public policies.

Pesquisas genéticas, prognósticos morais e discriminação genética: um estudo de caso sobre traço falciforme / Genetic research, moral prognostic and genetic discrimination: a case study on sickle cell trait

ResumoO estudo analisou os debates, no período de 2000 a 2010, no Conselho Nacional de Saúde (CNS) e na Comissão Intersetorial de Vigilância Sanitária e Farmacoepidemiologia (CIVSF), sobre os temas da vigilância sanitária e articulação com o Conselho Consultivo da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa). A pesquisa documental, de natureza qualitativa, que analisou 163 atas de reuniões do CNS e da CIVSF, e demais documentos a elas relacionados, buscou reunir informações sobre o contexto político-institucional e as interfaces e conexões entre as três instâncias. Observou-se baixa inserção do tema "vigilância sanitária" na pauta do CNS e uma atuação insuficiente da CIVSF para o fortalecimento desse debate. Conclui-se pela fragilidade de integração entre o Conselho Consultivo da Anvisa e as instâncias de controle social no Sistema Único de Saúde. Esse resultado é fruto de dificuldades de comunicação interinstitucional e da baixa inserção da vigilância sanitária no SUS, historicamente construída.

AbstractThe debate on research ethics can be applied both to the scientific methodology as other disciplines, such as sports. In the field of Brazilian sports health, it has been common research that do genetic testing to identify athletes with sickle cell trait. Despite the persistence of Brazilian sports federations to discriminate athletes with this inherited trait, sickle cell trait is not a disease. This article reports the case of a soccer athlete victim of genetic discrimination: identified with the sickle cell trait, she was deemed unfit to participate in a championship for the Brazilian Football Confederation. The paper analyzes the implications of genetic research to identify the sickle cell trait in the absence of ethical care aimed at preserving the rights of those who submit to testing. It also shows the vulnerability to which are exposed people involved in research that do genetic testing without ethical care or even reasonable justifications and the results are interpreted under the rationality of biological determinism and genetic reductionism. Brazilian sports federations interested in identifying athletes with sickle cell trait should submit this order to study the evaluation of Research Ethics Committees, as this is a potential to cause harm to the procedure of athletes. The genetic test can not be considered an act of health care, since no disease is being treated.

Intravascular ultrasound guidance to minimize the use of iodine contrast in percutaneous coronary intervention: the MOZART (Minimizing cOntrast utiliZation With IVUS Guidance in coRonary angioplasTy) randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance on the final volume of contrast agent used in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: To date, few approaches have been described to reduce the final dose of contrast agent in PCIs. We hypothesized that IVUS might serve as an alternative imaging tool to angiography in many steps during PCI, thereby reducing the use of iodine contrast. METHODS: A total of 83 patients were randomized to angiography-guided PCI or IVUS-guided PCI; both groups were treated according to a pre-defined meticulous procedural strategy. The primary endpoint was the total volume contrast agent used during PCI. Patients were followed clinically for an average of 4 months. RESULTS: The median total volume of contrast was 64.5 ml (interquartile range [IQR]: 42.8 to 97.0 ml; minimum, 19 ml; maximum, 170 ml) in the angiography-guided group versus 20.0 ml (IQR: 12.5 to 30.0 ml; minimum, 3 ml; maximum, 54 ml) in the IVUS-guided group (p < 0.001). Similarly, the median volume of contrast/creatinine clearance ratio was significantly lower among patients treated with IVUS-guided PCI (1.0 [IQR: 0.6 to 1.9] vs. 0.4 [IQR: 0.2 to 0.6, respectively; p < 0.001). In-hospital and 4-month outcomes were not different between patients randomized to angiography-guided and IVUS-guided PCI. CONCLUSIONS: Thoughtful and extensive use of IVUS as the primary imaging tool to guide PCI is safe and markedly reduces the volume of iodine contrast compared with angiography-alone guidance. The use of IVUS should be considered for patients at high risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury or volume overload undergoing coronary angioplasty. (Minimizing cOntrast utiliZation With IVUS Guidance in coRonary angioplasTy [MOZART]; NCT01947335).

[Reproductive decisions and newborn screening: the perspective of female caregivers of children with sickle cell disease]. / Decisões reprodutivas e triagem neonatal: a perspectiva de mulheres cuidadoras de crianças com doença falciforme.

One of the goals of the Brazilian Newborn Screening Program created in 2001 was to inform couples with the possibility of having children with sickle cell diseases regarding reproductive decision-making. This article presents the reproductive choices and analyzes the notion of biomedical reproductive risk of female caregivers of children with sickle cell disease participating in a newborn screening program. Qualitative data collected between 2006 and 2008 was based on interviews with 50 female caregivers of children with sickle cell disease participating on the Federal District Newborn Screening Program. The research revealed the following perceptions underlying reproductive decisions: women who want to have other children even with the risk of recurrence of the disease; women who do not want to have any more children; and women whose reproductive plans are still being considered on the basis of the information provided by the newborn screening program. The study revealed that women's reproductive choices are based on the experience of child care and self care. The notion of reproductive risk is built in order to strengthen women's decisions together with their family and other social groups to which they belong.

Decisões reprodutivas e triagem neonatal: a perspectiva de mulheres cuidadoras de crianças com doença falciforme / Reproductive decisions and newborn screening: the perspective of female caregivers of children with sickle cell disease

Um dos objetivos do Programa Nacional de Triagem Neonatal para doença falciforme, criado em 2001, foi o de informar casais com chances de ter filhos com doenças falciformes para a tomada de decisões reprodutivas. Este artigo apresenta as escolhas reprodutivas e analisa a noção de risco reprodutivo biomédico de mulheres cuidadoras de crianças com doença falciforme inseridas em um programa de triagem neonatal. O levantamento de dados qualitativos, realizado de 2006 a 2008, foi baseado em entrevistas com 50 mulheres cuidadoras de crianças com doença falciforme participantes do Programa de Triagem Neonatal do Distrito Federal. A pesquisa revelou as seguintes percepções no campo das decisões reprodutivas: mulheres que querem ter outros filhos mesmo sob o risco de recorrência da doença; mulheres que não querem mais ter filhos; e mulheres cujo projeto reprodutivo ainda está sendo elaborado com base nas informações recebidas no programa de triagem. O estudo mostrou que as escolhas reprodutivas das mulheres são embasadas na experiência do cuidado dos filhos e de si. A noção de risco reprodutivo é construída de modo a fortalecer as decisões das mulheres perante a família e outros grupos sociais ao qual pertence.

One of the goals of the Brazilian Newborn Screening Program created in 2001 was to inform couples with the possibility of having children with sickle cell diseases regarding reproductive decision-making. This article presents the reproductive choices and analyzes the notion of biomedical reproductive risk of female caregivers of children with sickle cell disease participating in a newborn screening program. Qualitative data collected between 2006 and 2008 was based on interviews with 50 female caregivers of children with sickle cell disease participating on the Federal District Newborn Screening Program. The research revealed the following perceptions underlying reproductive decisions: women who want to have other children even with the risk of recurrence of the disease; women who do not want to have any more children; and women whose reproductive plans are still being considered on the basis of the information provided by the newborn screening program. The study revealed that women's reproductive choices are based on the experience of child care and self care. The notion of reproductive risk is built in order to strengthen women's decisions together with their family and other social groups to which they belong.

A ética na história do aconselhamento genético: um desafio à educação médica / The ethics of genetic counseling: a challenge for medical education

O aconselhamento genético é uma prática que surgiu nos Estados Unidos na década de 1940 e tem se difundido ao redor do mundo com a crescente popularização da informação genética e a profissionalização da genética na saúde pública. É por meio de sessões de aconselhamento que as pessoas são informadas sobre os resultados de testes genéticos e recebem orientações sobre probabilidades, riscos e possibilidades de doenças genéticas. Trata-se de uma prática profissional que combina saúde, assistência e educação. Este ensaio descreve o surgimento e o desenvolvimento da prática de aconselhamento genético e apresenta alguns de seus desafios éticos.

Genetic counseling is a biomedical practice that appeared in the United States in the 1940s and spread elsewhere in the world with the popularization of genetic information and the new genetics in public health. A genetic counseling session aims to inform and orient individuals on their genetic tests, presenting notions of probabilities, risks, and genetic diseases. Thus, this biomedical practice combines health care, social assistance, and education. This paper describes the emergence and development of genetic counseling and discusses some of its ethical challenges.

[Prevalence of sickle cell trait and sickle cell anemia among newborns in the Federal District, Brazil, 2004 to 2006]. / Prevalência do traço e da anemia falciforme em recém-nascidos do Distrito Federal, Brasil, 2004 a 2006.

To determine the prevalence of sickle cell trait and sickle cell anemia among newborns in the Federal District, Brazil, a cross-sectional prevalence study covering the years 2004 to 2006 was conducted. Test results reported from the Neonatal Screening Program in the Federal District Health Department from 2004 to 2006 were analyzed, and prevalence rates were calculated. Neonatal blood samples were tested by isoelectric focalization. From January 2004 to December 2006, 116,271 newborns were tested for hemoglobinopathies, corresponding to 85% of all live births from mothers residing in the Federal District. The study identified 3,760 newborns with sickle cell trait (Hb AS) and 109 with sickle cell anemia (Hb SS). The prevalence rates were 323 (Hb AS) and 9 (Hb SS) per 10,000 live births. The high prevalence of sickle cell trait highlights the importance of neonatal screening in the Federal District to support work by health managers and professionals for planning educational measures and reducing the morbidity associated with sickle cell disease.

Prevalência do traço e da anemia falciforme em recém-nascidos do Distrito Federal, Brasil, 2004 a 2006 / Prevalence of sickle cell trait and sickle cell anemia among newborns in the Federal District, Brazil, 2004 to 2006

Para determinar a prevalência da anemia e traço falciforme em recém-nascidos no Distrito Federal, Brasil, no período de 2004 a 2006, foi realizado um estudo seccional de prevalência. Foram utilizados os registros dos resultados de testes realizados de 2004 a 2006 pelo Programa de Triagem Neonatal da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde do Distrito Federal, e calculados os coeficientes de prevalência. As amostras de sangue dos recém-nascidos foram analisadas pela técnica de focalização isoelétrica. No período de 1º de janeiro de 2004 a 31 de dezembro de 2006, foram realizados 116.271 testes de triagem neonatal para hemoglobinopatias, correspondendo a 85 por cento do número de nascidos vivos de mães residentes no Distrito Federal. Foram identificados, nos três anos, 3.760 recém-nascidos, com traço falciforme (Hb AS) e 109 com anemia falciforme (Hb SS). Os coeficientes de prevalência foram, respectivamente, 323 (Hb AS) e 9 (Hb SS) por 10 mil nascidos vivos. A elevada prevalência do traço falciforme evidencia a importância da triagem neonatal no Distrito Federal para atuação de gestores e profissionais da saúde no planejamento de ações educativas e na redução da morbidade associada às doenças falciformes.

To determine the prevalence of sickle cell trait and sickle cell anemia among newborns in the Federal District, Brazil, a cross-sectional prevalence study covering the years 2004 to 2006 was conducted. Test results reported from the Neonatal Screening Program in the Federal District Health Department from 2004 to 2006 were analyzed, and prevalence rates were calculated. Neonatal blood samples were tested by isoelectric focalization. From January 2004 to December 2006, 116,271 newborns were tested for hemoglobinopathies, corresponding to 85 percent of all live births from mothers residing in the Federal District. The study identified 3,760 newborns with sickle cell trait (Hb AS) and 109 with sickle cell anemia (Hb SS). The prevalence rates were 323 (Hb AS) and 9 (Hb SS) per 10,000 live births. The high prevalence of sickle cell trait highlights the importance of neonatal screening in the Federal District to support work by health managers and professionals for planning educational measures and reducing the morbidity associated with sickle cell disease.

Um caso de discriminação genética: o traço falciforme no Brasil / Genetic Discrimination: sickle cell trait in Brazil

Este artigo discute um caso de discriminação genética envolvendo uma atleta brasileira de voleibol identificada como portadora do traço falciforme. O traço falciforme é uma das características genéticas mais prevalentes na população brasileira, mas não é descrito como uma doença genética. O avanço da genética clínica vem provocando uma popularização dos testes genéticos em diferentes contextos de promoção da saúde. Ao criticar o argumento da Confederação Brasileira de Vôlei de que o exame para o traço falciforme seria uma medida de proteção à saúde dos atletas, o objetivo do artigo foi demonstrar como a popularização da informação genética não pode prescindir do aconselhamento genético e de garantias éticas. A análise mostrou que a exclusão da atleta da seleção oficial de vôlei não se justificou por medidas de proteção à saúde, mas por discriminação genética.

This paper analyses a case of genetic discrimination of a Brazilian volleyball athlete. A routine exam identified the sickle cell trait in her blood. The sickle cell trait is one of the most prevalent genetic information in Brazilian population, but it not considered a genetic disease. The advancement of clinical genetic promotes a popularization of genetic tests in different health care initiatives. The aims of this paper are: 1) to criticize the argument supporting the test for sickle cell trait as a health care initiative; 2) to demonstrate how the popularization of genetic information demands genetic counseling and ethical protections. The analysis demonstrates how the athlete exclusion from the official volleyball team is not supported by medicine and is a case of genetic discrimination.

Informação genética na mídia impressa: a anemia falciforme em questão / Genetic information in the written media: sickle cell anemia at issue

O artigo analisa o discurso da mídia sobre a anemia falciforme. O objetivo é conhecer e analisar o conteúdo das mensagens veiculadas pela mídia impressa sobre a anemia falciforme, doença genética mais prevalente no País. Foram analisadas todas as matérias publicadas sobre o tema da anemia falciforme, entre 1998 e 2002, nos jornais A Tarde (BA, 41 matérias) e Folha de S. Paulo (SP, 25 matérias). Para a análise foram selecionadas quatro variáveis: a prevenção, a conscientização do risco, o aconselhamento genético e o recorte racial da doença. A análise das matérias identificou um forte apelo preventivo que acompanha as informações sobre anemia falciforme. O tema da prevenção em genética traz uma série de desafios éticos, em especial dada a impossibilidade legal de interrupção da gestação em casos de diagnóstico de anemia falciforme no feto, o que faz com que haja uma ênfase nos cuidados reprodutivos pré-concepção. No caso da anemia falciforme, a pesquisa mostra ainda que há um apelo no sentido de chamar as pessoas a identificar a doença e buscar atendimento especializado. Mas há também a ênfase na idéia de que as pessoas informadas podem contribuir para prevenir o avanço da doença. Mediar essa tênue fronteira entre prevenção e reconhecimento das liberdades individuais pode ser considerado um desafio não só para a saúde pública, mas também para os meios de comunicação.

This article examines the strategies used by the media to approach and disseminate information about the most prevalent genetic disease in Brazil, sickle cell anemia. In this investigation we analyzed all articles on this matter published between 1998 and 2002 in two newspapers: A Tarde (State of Bahia, 41 articles) and Folha de S. Paulo (State of São Paulo, 25 articles). We selected four variables: prevention, risk awareness, genetic counseling and the racial dimension of the disease. The results revealed that the national media were giving strong emphasis to prevention. The topic genetic prevention poses a number of ethical dilemmas, particularly in Brazil where selective abortion is illegal. Consequently, the discourse of the media concentrates on pre-conception counseling. The media also appeal to risk groups and carriers to seek for identification of their condition and specialized care. Strong emphasis is further given to the idea that informed people can help to prevent the disease. The subtle line between genetic prevention and recognizing the individual right to reproductive autonomy represents an ethical challenge not only for every public health initiative but also for the media.

Confidencialidade, aconselhamento genético e saúde pública: um estudo de caso sobre o traço falciforme / Confidentiality, genetic counseling, and public health: a case study on sickle cell trait

A anemia falciforme é a doença genética com maior prevalência no Brasil. Desde 1976, recomenda-se que o exame para identificação do traço falciforme faça parte do protocolo de triagem de doadores de sangue, sendo esse um dos mecanismos mais eficazes de identificação genética em saúde pública para as alterações falciformes no país. Por meio de um estudo etnográfico sobre o aconselhamento genético ministrado às pessoas identificadas como portadoras do traço falciforme em um dos principais centros de doação de sangue, este artigo defende que a confidencialidade no trato da informação genética deve ser entendida como uma questão de saúde pública assim como de direitos humanos.

Educação para a genética em saúde pública: um estudo de caso sobre a anemia falciforme / Genetics education in public health: a case study on sickle cell anaemia in Brazil

A anemia falciforme é a doença genética de maior prevalência na população brasileira e comumente apontada como uma questão de saúde pública. O Brasil tem investido na elaboração de ações no campo da anemia falciforme, dentre as quais se encontram ações educativas. Este artigo analisa alguns dos impactos causados pelas informações contidas no folheto educativo Anemia falciforme: um problema nosso, do Ministério da Saúde. O objetivo foi descrever e analisar como, após a leitura do folheto, pessoas com diferentes níveis de escolaridade compreendem a distinção entre traço e a anemia falciforme e como mensuram o risco reprodutivo de casais com o traço falciforme. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de questionário aplicado com 1.007 pessoas, em 11 cidades brasileiras, no período de junho a setembro de 2003. Os dados revelam que: a educação formal é fator fundamental para compreensão do folheto; a confusão entre traço e anemia falciformes permanece apesar de o folheto destacar a diferença entre ambas; e o risco reprodutivo de nascimento de futuras crianças com anemia falciforme é sobrevalorizado. Os resultados apontam para a tensão entre estratégias de prevenção de doenças e de promoção da autonomia reprodutiva, uma característica da nova genética.

[Confidentiality, genetic counseling, and public health: a case study on sickle cell trait]. / Confidencialidade, aconselhamento genético e saúde pública: um estudo de caso sobre o traço falciforme.

Sickle cell anemia is the most prevalent genetic disease in Brazil. Screening for sickle cell trait in blood donation centers has been recommended by the Brazilian government since 1976. This screening mechanism is one of most common forms of genetic screening for sickle cell disease in the country. This article is based on an ethnographic survey of individuals undergoing genetic counseling in a large blood donation center. The article contends that confidentiality should be a prerequisite for the broad dissemination of genetic information in public health. The ethical principle of confidentiality needs to be seen as a human right and public health issue.

Anemia Falciforme: Um Problema Nosso. Uma abordagem bioética sobre a nova genética / Sickle Cell Anaemia: A Brazilian Problem. A bioethical approach to the new genetics

Este artigo analisa uma das ações educativas adotadas pelo Ministério da Saúde no campo das hemoglobinopatias: o folheto informativo Anemia Falciforme: Um Problema Nosso. O objetivo é discutir as premissas e os valores morais que se encontram associados a iniciativas no campo da educação genética, tendo as políticas públicas sobre anemia falciforme no Brasil como estudo de caso. A análise mostra que o conteúdo do folheto oscila entre políticas de prevenção para doenças e promoção de direitos fundamentais, uma característica da nova genética. Além disso, o excesso de informação biomédica especializada no folheto dificulta sua divulgação em massa. Os resultados encontrados foram discutidos à luz do debate bioético contemporâneo sobre a nova genética.

[Sickle Cell Anaemia: a Brazilian Problem. A bioethical approach to the new genetics]. / Anemia Falciforme: um Problema Nosso. Uma abordagem bioética sobre a nova genética.

This article analyzes one of the educational initiatives of the Brazilian Ministry of Health on hemoglobinopathies: the leaflet entitled Sickle Cell Anaemia: A Brazilian Problem. The purpose is to discuss the moral values associated with initiatives in genetics education, and the case study focuses on public policies related to sickle cell anaemia in Brazil. The analysis shows that the topics in the leaflets fluctuate between disease prevention policies and human rights protection, a basic characteristic of the new genetics. In addition, the leaflet s excessive biomedical information hinders understanding by lay readers. The results are analyzed in the light of the contemporary bioethical debate on the new genetics.