The HeLa cell, which was first taken from Henrietta Lacks in 1952, was the first in vitro cell line discovered and propagated in mass. From polio vaccine development to understanding cancer biology, the HeLa cell has allowed for immeasurable scientific advances. No prior review has examined how the HeLa cell has influenced the field of otolaryngology.
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
No actionable change for clinical practice; this is a historical and ethical review with no direct implications for audiology patient management.
Reflecting on the ethical dimensions of HeLa cell use highlights ongoing conversations about consent, equity, and attribution in biomedical research that are relevant to all clinical scientists.
- 01Reviews the role of HeLa cells—derived from Henrietta Lacks in 1952—in otolaryngology research history.
- 02Published in Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology as a review article.
- 03Honors Lacks' contribution while acknowledging the lack of informed consent at the time of cell collection.
- 04HeLa cells have been widely used in biomedical research for over seven decades.
- 05Raises broader questions of research ethics, consent, and equity relevant to audiology and allied fields.
HeLa cells have had a significant historical and scientific impact on the field of otolaryngology research.
studysupported- PMID
- 42920725
- DOI
- 10.1002/lio2.70593.
- Journal
- Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology
- Publication type
- review
- Evidence level
- 5
- Population
- Historical review; no patient population studied
- Intervention
- Review of HeLa cell line contributions to otolaryngology research
Primary outcomes
Characterisation of HeLa cell impact on otolaryngology research; Recognition of Henrietta Lacks' contribution to biomedical science