Nanomedicine Essay

Nanomedicine Obtaining the Benefits, Managing the Risks The phrase small is beautiful has taken on new core to Some nanomedicine drug-delivery sy nucleotides and anti-cancer drugs those involved in the scientific field known as na nonechnology, be already in use. M whatever other applications argon in various phases which involves engineering and utilizing materials at the nano- of clinical or pre-clinical testing, and, if found prophylactic and publicationive, meter scale that is, as small as one-billionth of a meter. Reduced may reach the courseet in five to 12 years. More advanced nano- o these minute dimensions, substances often undergo momentous medicine products such as biocontainers for medical diagnostics changes for example, carbon becomes stronger than sword and and cell treatment are in earlier stages of development. copper is transparent. The change magnitude ability of science to compress materials to the submi telescopescopic level is affecting many handle of human endeavor. Current and emerging nanotechnology applications include advanced energy extension and storage systems, as well as new chemical additives and industrial materials.More than 300 products with nano-scale ingredients are already on the market, ranging from sunscreens to bowling ball coatings. restrictive and Risk Issues Despite the accelerating pace of nanotechnology progress, many fundamental regulatory issues are only now being addressed by the U. S. Food and medicate Administration (FDA). These include defining what pretends a nanotechnology product, pointing regulatory authority everyplace various types of products, adopting labeling requirements, and calculating the health and environmental impact of emerging applications.One cursorily developing area of nanotechnology look for is nanomedicine, the transit of using molecular tools and molecular knowledge of the human body for the purpose of diagnosing and treating illness. (Freitas, R. , Nanomedicine, V ol. 1 canonic Capabilities, Georgetown, Texas Landes Bioscience, 1999. ) The swift progress of nanomedicine research makes it necessary to understand the risks and begin the process of limiting probable exposure. Risk assessment is one of the major challenges face up the FDA, as techniques designed for macroscopic materials may be unreliable for nanotechnology products.A field Research Council report (available at http//www. nap. edu/catalog. php? record_id=11752) noted that until the risks associated with nanotechnology are more intelligibly understood, it is prudent to employ some precautionary measures to protect the health and arctic of workers, the public Nanomedicine Applications and the environment. Nanomedicine may potencyly revolutionize our ability to screen, This precautionary doctrine applies equally to health administer organ- diagnose and treat conditions ranging from cancer to cardio- izations. While the phone of nanomedicine is bright, the risks ascular dis ease to diabetes. Scientists are at work on the following and respectable questions posed by these advances must be consid- projects, among many others ered carefully. Major potential risks include infection and genetic testing tools that are faster, more straight and less invasive than conventional methods nanoneedle and pulsed laser surgery that alters cell structures without prejudicious surrounding areas targeted drug-delivery systems that transport the drug exactly where needed and monitor its effect nanotube-based biosensing devices that provide in vivo iagnostic testing capabilities, such as tracking electrolyte and dividing line glucose levels gold-coated nanoparticles that destroy individual tumor cells while leaving nearby hygienic cells unharmed intelligent synthetic biomaterials that mimic body possibly heightened toxicity of uncaring nanoparticles, which may be able to bypass the bodys defenses and interfere with basic biological processes genetic alterat ion, as some therapies operate at the chromosomal level and hence raise complex ethical questions, ranging from advised go for of the unborn o the prospect of genetic enhancement for the a few(prenominal) to the issues surrounding stem cell research environmental and workplace impact, as the particles are often too small to be trapped by available filtration systems and may accumulate in water, air or plants, with atypical consequences tissues and may eventually enable organ regeneration AlertBulletin A R i s k M a n a g e m e n t U p d a t e f ro m C N A H e a l t h P ro 08 issue 6 healthcare image shift, as new technologies possibly result in obsolescence for some accomplished therapeutic modalities, creating new financial and administrative emands in terms of equipment, care settings, and staff training and competencies. Strategies As the nanomedicine revolution unfolds, healthcare organizations must incur effective ways to ensure patient safety and reduce the indebtedn ess risks inherent in adopting cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment techniques. The following proactive measures can assist your healthcare organization in maximizing the potential benefits of nanomedicine while minimizing associated risks Create a nanomedicine task force composed of clinical and administrative leaders with a high level of scientific ophistication to research nanomedicine prospects, benefits, costs and risks, and incorporate the groups findings into the strategic planning process. vouch prospective risk analysis to address areas of potential enterprise liability, including adverse outcomes, environmental hazards, and implicit warranties or guarantees contained in spite of appearance marketing materials. embark on a discussion with the ethics committee regard- ing emerging nanomedicine issues, including use of stem cells and the question of genetic enhancement. Develop a risk posture similitude nanomedicine, in collabo- ation with legal apprize, and ensure that risk and insurance coverage issues are factored into decisions involving nanomedicine. Recognize that insurers may not be able to make a blanket generalization concerning coverage for nanomedicine risks, which at this point are vexed to predict and/or quantify. As with all legal causes of action, nanomedicinerelated claims would be assessed on an individual basis. Adapt your organizations informed assent policies to the new realities, taking into account the generally low state of consumer ken regarding nanomedicine and he unknowns that accompany a radically new technology. Specifically, your informed consent process for nanomedicine therapies should encompass an extensive educational component for patients and acknowledge the limitations of on-going knowledge and experience in this area. Strengthen policies and systems designed to track patients within the institution, report adverse events, and monitor equipment and suppliers. Designate those responsible for reporting i ncidents to the FDA and/or the manufacturer and ensure that personnel understand internal reporting rules and procedures. retool competency and credentialing models for pro- viders and staff to include emerging technologies and approaches. Ensure that staff members are familiar with policies regarding nanotechnology applications and acceptable off-label uses. Manage the product supply chain and establish policies regarding the presence of vendor representatives in clinical settings where treatment is rendered. Advocate for more basic scientific and safety research on nanomedicine and nanotoxicology, as sanitary regulation and more manageable risk will require a deeper level of theoretical and empirical knowledge.Resources Ebbesen, M. , Jensen, T. Nanomedicine Techniques, Potentials and Ethical Implications. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 2006, Article ID 51516, pp. 1-11. for sale at http//www. hindawi. com/getarticle. aspx? doi=10. 1155/jbb/2006/51516. Freitas, R. C urrent Status of Nanomedicine and Medical Nanorobotics. Journal of computational and Theoretical Nanoscience, 2005, Volume 21, pp. 1-25. Available at http// www. nanomedicine. com/Papers/NMRevMar05. pdf. Nanotechnology A Report of the U. S. Food and Drug Administration Nanotechnology Task Force, July 25, 2007.Department of Health &038 piece Services. Available at http//www. fda. gov/ nanotechnology/taskforce/report2007. pdf. Nanotechnology Untold Promise, Unknown Risk. ConsumerReports. org, July 2007. Available at http//www. consumerreports. org/cro/health-fitness/nanotechnology7-07/overview/0707_nano_ov_1. htm. Walker, B. , Mouton, C. Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine A Primer. Journal of the National Medical Association, December 2006, Volume 9812, pp. 1985-1988. 1. 888. 600. 4776 www. cna. com/healthpro/ CNA HealthPro, 333 S.Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604 Published by CNA. For additional information, please call CNA HealthPro at 1-888-600-4776. The information, examples and suggestions presented in this material have been developed from sources believed to be reliable, but they should not be construed as legal or other professional advice. CNA accepts no business for the accuracy or completeness of this material and recommends the consultation with competent legal counsel and/or other professional advisors before applying this material in any particular factual situations.This material is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to constitute a contract. Please remember that only the relevant insurance polity can provide the actual terms, coverages, amounts, conditions and exclusions for an insured. 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