External advisory committee advises RERF to conduct genome analysis research for timely clarification of radiation’s genetic effects in children of A-bomb survivors
Aug. 13, 2022
by Junji Akechi, Staff Writer
On August 12, an external advisory committee submitted its recommendations regarding the analysis of genome (i.e., entirety of genetic information) information in second-generation A-bomb survivors to the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF), the scientific organization planning the research located in Hiroshima’s Minami Ward. In addition to the timely clarification of genetic effects of radiation, the committee requested that the organization take great care in handling the research data. RERF Chairman Ohtsura Niwa expressed his idea of moving ahead on the study but did not state specifically when the research is expected to begin.
In its recommendations, the committee pointed out that the genome analysis “might be able to lead to a conclusion to some extent” about the deep-rooted concern over the effects of radiation in the offspring of A-bomb survivors. While encouraging RERF to begin the study relatively quickly, the recommendations also called for the organization to consider the possible societal impacts of the study’s findings and take all appropriate measures to manage the data, including personal genetic information.
Specifically, the committee cited seven items, including trust-building with A-bomb survivors and second-generation survivors that are to be involved in the study, prompt implementation of the research, creation of RERF’s own specific guidelines for the management of the data, and appropriate information disclosure.
Established by RERF last August, in 2021, the committee consists of 14 members, including Hiroshima and Nagasaki A-bomb survivors, second-generation survivors, physicians, and others. The committee held a total of five closed-door online meetings through April of this year before compiling its recommendations.
That day, a ceremony to receive the recommendations was held at RERF’s Nagasaki Laboratory, in Nagasaki City. Shigeru Katamine, chair of the committee and former president of Nagasaki University, said in an online press conference about the genome analysis, “Some of the committee members expressed anxiety about the study at the beginning, but their understanding grew through the course of discussions.” He added, “We are hoping for some kind of conclusion on this issue while A-bomb survivors are still alive.”
Mr. Niwa explained that RERF “will move on to the next step by considering the recommendations in a positive manner” but simply mentioned that the research organization would “do our best to start as soon as possible,” given the time it is expected to take for obtaining consent from second-generation survivors anticipated to participate in the study.
The following are the main responses from Mr. Niwa, RERF chairman, at a press conference after RERF received recommendations from the external advisory committee on genome analysis of second-generation A-bomb survivors.
How did you take the recommendations from the committee?
Genome analysis is, scientifically and societally, extremely important research with diverse opinions. In the committee it was explained how the research would proceed to the members, which include A-bomb survivors and second-generation survivors. I am grateful we could come to a shared understanding.
What is the significance of the genome analysis?
RERF has been conducting follow-up surveys of children born to A-bomb survivors that show, to this point, no health effects of parental exposure to radiation in the second generation. We will position genome analysis as the final stage in our long-lasting research. We will be able to provide clearer answers than ever before by examining whether there are changes at the DNA level resulting from parental exposure and the frequency of those changes if any.
The research results could have societal impacts, leading to discrimination against second-generation survivors.
RERF bears responsibility for the criticism leveled at the methods used in studies conducted by the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission (ABCC), RERF’s predecessor organization. We need to earn the trust of not only the committee, but also A-bomb survivors and second-generation survivors in general, as well as society at large. We will also try to release any relevant information in a way that does not provoke unnecessary anxiety.
[Main points of recommendations presented by the external advisory committee to RERF]
●Make efforts to earn the trust of A-bomb survivors and second-generation survivors.
●Make efforts to proceed promptly with the research to produce results while A-bomb survivors are still alive.
●In addition to national guidelines, RERF needs to formalize its own guidelines for data management to prevent any leaks of data or other problems.
●Establish a structure that is considerate of A-bomb survivors and second-generation survivors, from explanations of the research before it is conducted, to implementation of the research and the publication of results.
(Originally published on August 13, 2022)
On August 12, an external advisory committee submitted its recommendations regarding the analysis of genome (i.e., entirety of genetic information) information in second-generation A-bomb survivors to the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF), the scientific organization planning the research located in Hiroshima’s Minami Ward. In addition to the timely clarification of genetic effects of radiation, the committee requested that the organization take great care in handling the research data. RERF Chairman Ohtsura Niwa expressed his idea of moving ahead on the study but did not state specifically when the research is expected to begin.
In its recommendations, the committee pointed out that the genome analysis “might be able to lead to a conclusion to some extent” about the deep-rooted concern over the effects of radiation in the offspring of A-bomb survivors. While encouraging RERF to begin the study relatively quickly, the recommendations also called for the organization to consider the possible societal impacts of the study’s findings and take all appropriate measures to manage the data, including personal genetic information.
Specifically, the committee cited seven items, including trust-building with A-bomb survivors and second-generation survivors that are to be involved in the study, prompt implementation of the research, creation of RERF’s own specific guidelines for the management of the data, and appropriate information disclosure.
Established by RERF last August, in 2021, the committee consists of 14 members, including Hiroshima and Nagasaki A-bomb survivors, second-generation survivors, physicians, and others. The committee held a total of five closed-door online meetings through April of this year before compiling its recommendations.
That day, a ceremony to receive the recommendations was held at RERF’s Nagasaki Laboratory, in Nagasaki City. Shigeru Katamine, chair of the committee and former president of Nagasaki University, said in an online press conference about the genome analysis, “Some of the committee members expressed anxiety about the study at the beginning, but their understanding grew through the course of discussions.” He added, “We are hoping for some kind of conclusion on this issue while A-bomb survivors are still alive.”
Mr. Niwa explained that RERF “will move on to the next step by considering the recommendations in a positive manner” but simply mentioned that the research organization would “do our best to start as soon as possible,” given the time it is expected to take for obtaining consent from second-generation survivors anticipated to participate in the study.
The committee helped us share understanding about the research methods
The following are the main responses from Mr. Niwa, RERF chairman, at a press conference after RERF received recommendations from the external advisory committee on genome analysis of second-generation A-bomb survivors.
How did you take the recommendations from the committee?
Genome analysis is, scientifically and societally, extremely important research with diverse opinions. In the committee it was explained how the research would proceed to the members, which include A-bomb survivors and second-generation survivors. I am grateful we could come to a shared understanding.
What is the significance of the genome analysis?
RERF has been conducting follow-up surveys of children born to A-bomb survivors that show, to this point, no health effects of parental exposure to radiation in the second generation. We will position genome analysis as the final stage in our long-lasting research. We will be able to provide clearer answers than ever before by examining whether there are changes at the DNA level resulting from parental exposure and the frequency of those changes if any.
The research results could have societal impacts, leading to discrimination against second-generation survivors.
RERF bears responsibility for the criticism leveled at the methods used in studies conducted by the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission (ABCC), RERF’s predecessor organization. We need to earn the trust of not only the committee, but also A-bomb survivors and second-generation survivors in general, as well as society at large. We will also try to release any relevant information in a way that does not provoke unnecessary anxiety.
[Main points of recommendations presented by the external advisory committee to RERF]
●Make efforts to earn the trust of A-bomb survivors and second-generation survivors.
●Make efforts to proceed promptly with the research to produce results while A-bomb survivors are still alive.
●In addition to national guidelines, RERF needs to formalize its own guidelines for data management to prevent any leaks of data or other problems.
●Establish a structure that is considerate of A-bomb survivors and second-generation survivors, from explanations of the research before it is conducted, to implementation of the research and the publication of results.
(Originally published on August 13, 2022)
