Henrietta Lacks was an African American woman whose immortalised cell line, known as HeLa cells, ushered in a new era in the field of medicine. However, there lies a dark side to this medical breakthrough. Not only was Lacks unaware that her cells were being used for research, she also never granted her consent for their use…
The recent settlement of a lawsuit by the Lacks family against a biotech company, which had profited from her cells without her knowledge or permission, has put this case back in the spotlight. The lawsuit underscores the complex ethical issues surrounding genetic research and the use of human biological materials.
The Legacy of Henrietta Lacks
At the tender age of 31, Henrietta Lacks succumbed to cervical cancer in 1951. Unbeknownst to her or her family, prior to her death doctors had extracted a sample from her tumour. In the laboratory, researchers made a startling discovery – Henrietta Lacks’ cells were able to grow indefinitely in culture. This marked the genesis of the first-ever human immortal cell line.
Relentlessly reproducing under lab conditions, the HeLa cells became instrumental in various scientific advancements. From playing a crucial role in the development of the polio vaccine to contributing to research in cancer treatment, gene mapping, AIDS, cloning, stem cell studies, and even the recent Covid-19 vaccines, these cells have been immensely valuable to the scientific community.
Recognition from World Health Organization
Over half a century after her death, the World Health Organization (WHO) posthumously honoured Henrietta Lacks on October 13, 2021, with the prestigious WHO Director-General’s award. The award was in recognition of her significant, albeit unknowing, contribution to science and health. Through her story of inequity, Henrietta Lacks left behind a transformational legacy that continues to impact the world of medicine.
The Deadly Threat of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer originates in the cells of the cervix, the narrow lower part of the uterus connecting it to the vagina. The onset of this cancer is often slow and gradual, with abnormal cells or dysplasia appearing in the cervical tissue before developing into cancerous cells.
If not removed or destroyed, these abnormal cells may eventually grow deeper into the cervix and spread to the surrounding areas. Notably, close to 99% of all cervical cancer cases are linked to infection with high-risk Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus.
As a line of defence against this deadly disease, cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination have become critical. They serve as an indispensable reminder of Henrietta Lacks’ contribution to science and health, even if it was made without her knowledge or consent.