The human genome exposed: a glimpse of promise, predicament, and impact on practice.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To review basic gene biology, discuss current genetic advances, and project the potential impact of these advances on oncology nursing practice.

DATA SOURCES

Published professional articles, tests, proceedings, governmental and lay publications.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The Human Genome Project seeks to better describe the human complement of genes, which may hold the key to further defining the mechanism of carcinogenesis. The identification of genetic defects responsible for cancer will facilitate development of both preventive and therapeutic antitumor strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

The data base emerging from genetic research will result in both promise and predicaments. The promise relates to the discovery of genetic abnormalities that can be used to predict risk for cancer or serve as targets for therapeutic intervention. The predicaments involve the psychosocial, ethical, and legal implications of revealing an individual's genetic profile without knowing the ultimate ramifications of that information.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nurses will be at the forefront of these advances as they describe the effects of genetic advances on the public and on individuals and create innovative strategies to manage negative effects. To take advantage of opportunities presented by the genetic revolution, nurses must develop a knowledge base about gene biology and its relationship to cancer.