[Present situation of the genetic medical treatment].
Medical treatment has been changing due to the recent and great progress in the molecule genetics. Gene tests are contained in the ordinary medical treatments. However, this progress in Japan has apparently thrown the general population into confusion, at least in part because of the lack of consent between inhabitants and clinicians/researchers. Some of the genetic diseases are difficult to be cured completely, although they can be diagnosed. Furthermore, genetic diseases spread the influences to other relations including their offspring. The preparation of the various genetic guidelines and the fulfillment of the genetic counseling are going to proceed to keep the human rights of the patients of the genetic diseases. A discussion of the bio-ethical problems has been developing at the same time. The necessity against the genetic service is increasing gradually. Genetic medical treatment may be a part of the genetic service. I report here the current status of "the genetic counseling and the genetic medical treatment" have been advanced in Nagasaki university hospital as an example. It is very important and expected that a proper genetic service is provided to the clients under the network of the specialists of the various fields.
Kondoh
Tatsuro
T
Department of Pediatrics, Genetic Counseling Unit, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, 852-8501.
D001675:Bioethics; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D030661:Genetic Privacy; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis