Return of results in genomic biobank research: Ethics matters

摘要

In "Return of Results from Genomic Biobanks: Cost Matters," Bledsoe et al.1 offer critique of a 26-author consensus article published in April's Genetics in Medicine articulating the first full analysis of the challenge posed to biobanks by the debate over return of individual research results (IRRs) and incidental findings (IFs).2 They raise important questions concerning the cost to biobanks. As lead author of the April paper, I write to respond.Bledsoe et al. argue that our paper suggests responsibilities for biobanks that would impose "unsustainable" cost. Unfortunately, they do not address our own discussion of cost.