Ethical and Societal Aspects of Nanotechnology Applications in Medicine

This paper reviews current achievements, implementation perspectives, and potential risks of nanotechnologies application in different areas of medicine. The focus group discussion method was used among medical students as a qualitative approach for their in-depth understanding of nanomedicine's social and ethical issues. This study revealed that the main socio-ethical issues of nanomedicine are: the danger of toxic effects of nanomaterials on the human body and the environment, social inequality regarding the availability of nanomedicine, and the feasibility of nanomaterials without medical indications. The obtained results show that most respondents believe that the benefits of nanotechnology in medicine far outweigh the potential risks. It provides the development of new methods in the screening, diagnosis, and treating many diseases. Educating members of society about the benefits and risks of nanomedicine is essential to gaining and maintaining public support.