ACLU Challenges Patents on Breast Cancer Genes

Publication
Article
OncologyONCOLOGY Vol 23 No 7
Volume 23
Issue 7

The American Civil Liberties Union and the Public Patent Foundation at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law filed a lawsuit charging that patents on two human genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer stifle research that could lead to cures and limit women’s options regarding their medical care.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the Public Patent Foundation at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law filed a lawsuit charging that patents on two human genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer stifle research that could lead to cures and limit women's options regarding their medical care. Mutations along the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for most cases of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. The lawsuit argues that the patents on these genes are unconstitutional and invalid.

Articles in this issue
What Is the Optimal Initial Treatment of Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer (and Why Is It Controversial)?
What Is the Optimal Initial Treatment of Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer (and Why Is It Controversial)?
Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Treatment Options and Patient Perceptions
Can Risk-Adapted Treatment Recommendations Replace the ‘One Size Fits All’ Approach for Early-Stage Thyroid Cancer Patients?
Prophylactic Central Lymph Node Dissection: Continued Controversy
Music Therapy
Music Therapy
LHRH Antagonists vs LHRH Agonists: Which Is More Beneficial in Prostate Cancer Therapy?
Is There a Role for LHRH Antagonists in Prostate Cancer?
Important Considerations in LHRH Antagonist Therapy for Prostate Cancer
The Role of LHRH Antagonists in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Maintenance Therapy With Pemetrexed Improves Overall Survival in Advanced NSCLC
PARP Inhibitors Show Promise for Hard-to-Treat Breast Cancers
Therapeutic Cancer Vaccine Significantly Prolongs Disease-Free Survival for Follicular Lymphoma
Vaccine Improves Response Rate and Extends Progression-Free Survival in Metastatic Melanoma
‘Natural’ Hormone Replacement and Breast Cancer Risk: Evidence for Safety and Efficacy
Phase IIIB Trial of Intermittent Degarelix Therapy Launched
Recent Videos
Leading experts in the breast cancer field highlight the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and other treatment modalities.
Patients with node-negative disease who are older and have comorbidities may not be suitable to receive CDK4/6 inhibitors.
An observed carryover effect with CDK4/6 inhibitors may reduce the risk of recurrence years after a patient stops treatment.
Breast oncologist Jade E. Jones, MD, says she tries to send patients with BRCA-mutant HR-positive TNBC to clinical trials that use PARP inhibitors.
Related Content
Teclistamab Real-World Data and Trial Results Show Promise in R/R Multiple Myeloma

Teclistamab Real-World Data and Trial Results Show Promise in R/R Multiple Myeloma

ONCOLOGY Staff
August 19th 2025
Article

Experts discussed teclistamab's efficacy in multiple myeloma, highlighting real-world data and treatment protocols.

Leading experts in the breast cancer field highlight the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and other treatment modalities.

Advancements and Evolving Strategies in Breast Cancer Treatment at IBC East

Heather McArthur, MD, MPH;Erika P. Hamilton, MD;Hope S. Rugo, MD;Paolo Tarantino, MD, PhD
July 21st 2025
Podcast

Leading experts in the breast cancer field highlight the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and other treatment modalities.

Analyzing Long-Term Follow-Up Results From MonumenTAL-1 in Multiple Myeloma

Analyzing Long-Term Follow-Up Results From MonumenTAL-1 in Multiple Myeloma

ONCOLOGY Staff
August 17th 2025
Article

Experts discussed talquetamab's unique mechanism and favorable patient outcomes in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

Findings highlight a need to incorporate diverse populations when developing guideline-concordant breast cancer care to achieve efficacy for all patients.

Eliminating Racial Disparities in Guideline-Concordant Breast Cancer Care

Oluwadamilola “Lola” Fayanju, MD, MA, MPHS, FACS
April 21st 2025
Podcast

Findings highlight a need to incorporate diverse populations when developing guideline-concordant breast cancer care to achieve efficacy for all patients.

Safeguarding Vulnerability: COVID-19’s Impact on Immunocompromised Patients With Cancer

Safeguarding Vulnerability: COVID-19’s Impact on Immunocompromised Patients With Cancer

Viviana Cortiana, MS4;Maduri Balasubramanian, MD;Jade Gambill, BS;Diksha Mahendru, MD;Kennedy Itodo, MD;Chandler H. Park, MD, MS, FACP;Yan Leyfman, MD
August 15th 2025
Article

Immunocompromised individuals face ongoing COVID-19 risks despite vaccination, highlighting the need for tailored public health strategies and innovative therapies.

Reshaping Breast Cancer Surgery and Minimizing Radical Treatment Approaches

Reshaping Breast Cancer Surgery and Minimizing Radical Treatment Approaches

Ariana Pelosci
August 14th 2025
Article

Tran Ho, DO, FSSO, FACS, discussed how she found her passion in breast surgical oncology and how her mentors helped her achieve success.