Ethical Aspects of Cancer Nanomedicine: What We Do Not Know

In this chapter, we have discussed the often-overlooked ethical principles related to cancer nanomedicine and its development. Cancer nanomedicine is indeed an advanced and more reliable treatment modality with fewer side effects and better health outcomes. But the development and application of this advanced treatment option represents some crucial ethical dilemmas that cannot be ignored at any cost. Here, we have discussed all the knowns and unknowns of this emerging field. The complex relation of nanomedicine, cancer care, and ethical principles have been discussed. The chapter begins with an introduction of basic ethical principles of medical care and why they need to be considered while making any treatment decision. The potential role of nanomedicine in cancer treatment and the intersection of ethics and uncertainties have been discussed thoroughly. We have also emphasized the potential risk involved in cancer nanomedicine, concept of value-based care and equal access for all to this rapidly emerging advanced treatment modality. In the end, some alarming events form the past have been discussed when basic ethics like taking consent were not followed, serving as a cautionary tale for the present and future. This chapter provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking perspective of why we need to involve and follow ethics at every step of treatment, especially when we are dealing with these fast and dynamic treatment modalities.