Choices and boundaries

Reports and decisions

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and lower penetrance cancer conditions

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority have recently carried out some work including a public discussion on the use of PGD for ´lower penetrance' cancer conditions such as inherited breast and bowel cancer. Although the HFEA has licensed PGD for cancer conditions in the past, the conditions in question are different because of a combination of factors.  

These conditions have a lower penetrance than other conditions licensed by the HFEA in the past (40-80%), they are later onset (30s or 40s) and they are also in some cases treatable. Because these conditions are different, the Authority decided that it was appropriate for there to be further consideration of these issues both within the Authority and more publicly.

It was appropriate for the consideration to be carried out before an application was received so that any discussion would not delay a specific application.  

The outputs from this discussion on PGD for inherited cancer conditions are below.  

• The Authority decision
• Report on the public discussion
• FAQs
• Background to Choices and boundaries