Breeding brains? Patients' and laymen's perspectives on cerebral organoids

Abstract

Aim: To explore the perspectives of patients and laymen with regard to the development, use and storage of cerebral organoids, in order to contribute to the ethical debate about this technology. Materials & methods: In depth semi-structured interviews with 28 patients and laymen were conducted. A qualitative thematic analysis was undertaken using a constant comparative method. Results: Three interrelated themes emerged from the empirical material: moral value; willingness to donate; and elements of good governance. Conclusion: Patients and laymen are most concerned about cerebral organoids potentially developing consciousness and potential misuse. They support the use of cerebral organoids under the conditions that donors are adequately informed and that there will be good governance. Perspectives of patients and laymen are helpful to enable responsible development and use of cerebral organoids in practice.Lay abstractIn this study, we asked patients and laymen for their perspectives and opinions on the development, use and storage of so-called 'brain organoids'. Brain organoids are 3D cell structures that resemble parts of the human brain. These can be used as a model to study the development of the human brain and brain diseases. It is a promising technology that also raises ethical questions. For example, what kind of entity is a brain organoid and what should (and should not) be done with it? Our interview-study shows that patients and laymen are concerned that brain organoids might develop consciousness. They are also concerned about potential misuse of brain organoids. Overall, patients and laymen support the development of brain organoids if donors are well-informed and if responsible use is guaranteed by good governance. For them, good governance involves safety measures, well-defined boundaries to research and ethical oversight. The perspectives of these patients and laymen contribute to further development of brain organoids in a morally justifiable and socially acceptable way.