A portrait of nanomedicine and its bioethical implications

J Law Med Ethics. 2012 Winter;40(4):763-79. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-720X.2012.00705.x.

Abstract

This review addresses the current and future potential of nanomedicine, and its ethical considerations within the comprehensive framework of the four dimensions of medical ethics: Beneficence, Non-Maleficence, Respect, and Justice. From this perspective, the ethical considerations for nanomedicine are not novel, but have been addressed by precedents throughout the history of medicine. While these ethical challenges are not unique to nanomedicine, some require additional consideration, given the envisioned pervasive impact of nanomedicine on society.

Publication types

  • Research Support, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Beneficence
  • Environmental Exposure / prevention & control
  • Human Experimentation / ethics*
  • Humans
  • Nanomedicine / ethics*
  • Nanomedicine / methods*
  • Nanostructures / adverse effects
  • Nanostructures / therapeutic use
  • Patient Rights / ethics
  • Precision Medicine / ethics
  • Precision Medicine / methods
  • Risk Management / ethics*
  • Social Control, Formal*
  • Social Justice