title: Hype and expectations in tissue engineering.
abstract: Scientific progress and the development of new technologies often incite enthusiasm, both in scientists and the public at large, and this is especially apparent in discussions of emerging medical technologies, such as tissue engineering (TE). Future-oriented narratives typically discuss potential applications with much hype and expectations. In this article, we analyze the discourse on TE, its history and the promises present in the discourse surrounding it. Subsequently, we regard discussions about implantable bioartificial kidneys, and consider the concepts of hype and expectations in TE in general. Finally, we discuss what ethically responsible choices should be made in discussing TE to adequately deal with the scientific reality and public expectations surrounding this technology.
authors.affiliation: Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101 (IQ 114), 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Anke J M
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Oerlemans
authors.forename: Maria E C
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: van Hoek
authors.forename: Evert
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: van Leeuwen
authors.forename: Wim Jm M
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Dekkers
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D007688:Kidneys, Artificial / Q000639:trends*; D011639:Public Opinion; D044968:Regenerative Medicine / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000941:ethics* / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*