Building Genetic Medicine: Breast Cancer, Technology, and the Comparative Politics of Health Care

by Shobita Parthasarathy

In Building Genetic Medicine , Shobita Parthasarathy shows how, even in an era of globalization, national context is playing an important role in the development and use of genetic technologies. Focusing on the development and deployment of genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer (known as BRCA testing) in the United States and Britain, Parthasarathy develops a comparative analysis framework in order to investigate how national "toolkits" shape both regulations and the architectures of technologies and uses this framework to assess the implications of new genetic technologies. Parthasarathy argues that differences in the American and British approaches to health care and commercialization of research led to the establishment of different BRCA services in the two countries. In Britain, the technology was available through the National Health Service as an integrated program of counseling and laboratory analysis, and was viewed as a potentially cost-effective form of preventive care. In the United States, although BRCA testing was initially offered by a number of providers, one company eventually became the sole provider of a test available to consumers on demand. Parthasarathy draws lessons for the future of genetic medicine from these cross-national differences, and discusses the ways in which comparative case studies can inform policy-making efforts in science and technology.

271 pages, Hardcover

First published March 16, 2007

Reviews

[Read a Book · Rating 2 out of 5]

Parthasarathy's work is helpful in explaining why two culturally similar nations arrive at significantly different courses of technology policy, along with the tradeoffs of each approach. However, her dismissal of the role of institutions in shaping innovation and research policy is problematic, as even within the United States various domestic and international institutions affect how innovation is undertaken.

[saizine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good comparative case study looking at the development and implementation BRCA testing in both the US and the UK. Fascinating analysis of differing conceptions of the role of healthcare and patients, as well as constructions of disease treatment and disease management. Structured very clearly & succinctly, although sometimes repetitive. Highly recommended for anyone interested in comparative histories of US/UK healthcare or in the development/framing of genetic testing.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read... A great introduction and comparative analysis of the development of BRAC testing in the US versus the UK...