Preimplantation genetic testing for embryos predisposed to hereditary cancer: Possibilities and challenges

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which was developed as an alternative to prenatal genetic testing, allows couples to avoid pregnancies with abnormal chromosomes and the subsequent termination of the affected fetus. Originally used for early onset monogenic conditions, PGT is now used to prevent various types of inherited cancer conditions based on the development of PGT technology, assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs), and in vitro fertilization (IVF). This review provides insights into the potential benefits and challenges associated with the application of PGT for hereditary cancer and provides an overview of the existing literature on this test, with a particular focus on the current challenges related to laws, ethics, counseling, and technology. Additionally, this review predicts the future potential applications of this method. Although PGT may be utilized to predict and prevent hereditary cancer, each case should be comprehensively evaluated. The motives of couples must be assessed to prevent the misuse of this technique for eugenic purposes, and non-pathogenic phenotypes must be carefully evaluated. Pathological cases that require this technology should also be carefully considered based on legal and ethical reasoning. PGT may be the preferred treatment for hereditary cancer cases; however, such cases require careful case-by-case evaluations. Therefore, this study concludes that multidisciplinary counseling and support for patients and their families are essential to ensure that PGT is a viable option that meets all legal and ethical concerns.

Legal restrictions and mitigation strategies amongst a disabled population during COVID-19

The impact of physical disability on protective behaviors during COVID-19 has been little studied. This retrospective study compared the 699 the self-declared behaviors of 699 people with disabilities before and after the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in England. We found that people with disabilities in England showed high compliance with protective behaviors and mitigation strategies during a period of legal restrictions. Following the lifting of restrictions, respondents engaged in less social mixing, fewer distancing and hygiene behaviors and were less likely to use face coverings. Hierarchical regressions revealed that socio-economic status, age, and gender moderated protective behaviors: while those with higher socio-economic status were more relaxed with regard to hygiene and distancing behaviors, they were more cautious about mixing with others after the end of restrictions. Age, (male) gender, and being unvaccinated were positively associated with relaxation in the use of facemasks in public places, not needing a carer with fewer out-of-home visits. Taken together these findings suggest that the removal of restrictions had an unequal impact on the population of England, placing a disproportionate burden on some people with disabilities.