Actor-Network Theory: a tool to support ethical analysis of commercial genetic testing

TLDR

Social, ethical and policy analysis of gene patenting and commercial genetic testing is enhanced by science and technology studies, especially Actor‑Network Theory. The authors propose using ANT as a flexible heuristic to gather empirical data and analyze the complex networks in genetic technology development. They apply ANT concepts—actor‑networks, translation, and drift—to Myriad Genetics’ BRACAnalysis test, treating the test as an active participant that interacts with people, technologies, and institutions. This approach yields a more nuanced assessment of the social, ethical, and policy implications of commercial genetic technologies.

Abstract

Social, ethical and policy analysis of the issues arising from gene patenting and commercial genetic testing is enhanced by the application of science and technology studies, and Actor-Network Theory (ANT) in particular. We suggest the potential for transferring ANT's flexible nature to an applied heuristic methodology for gathering empirical information and for analysing the complex networks involved in the development of genetic technologies. Three concepts are explored in this paper--actor-networks, translation, and drift--and applied to the case of Myriad Genetics and their commercial BRACAnalysis genetic susceptibility test for hereditary breast cancer. Treating this test as an active participant in socio-technical networks clarifies the extent to which it interacts with, shapes and is shaped by people, other technologies, and institutions. Such an understanding enables more sophisticated and nuanced technology assessment, academic analysis, as well as public debate about the social, ethical and policy implications of the commercialization of new genetic technologies.