Audience
Henrietta Lacks
(August 1, 1920- October 4, 1951)
Henrietta Lacks’ cancer cells are the source of the HeLa cell line, one of the most important cell lines in medical research. Lacks was the unwitting source of these cells from a tumor biopsied during treatment for cervical cancer in 1951. Lacks’ cells were used without her or her family’s knowledge. HeLa cells were in high demand and put into mass production. They were mailed to scientists around the globe for "research into cancer, AIDS, the effects of radiation and toxic substances, gene mapping, and countless other scientific pursuits. There are almost 11,000 patents involving HeLa cells. Now 70 years later many scientists still use Henrietta Lacks’ cells for research, but they must receive approval from the family.
Announcement Group
