Importance of Standardizing Analytical Characterization Methodology for Improved Reliability of the Nanomedicine Literature

Understanding the interaction between biological structures and nanoscale technologies,dubbed the nano-bio interface,is required for successful development of safe and efficient nanomedicine products.The lack of a universal reporting system and decentralized methodologies for nanomaterial characterization have resulted in a low degree of reliability and reproducibility in the nanomedicine literature.As such,there is a strong need to establish a characterization system to support the reproducibility of nanoscience data particularly for studies seeking clinical translation.Here,we discuss the existing key standards for addressing robust characterization of nanomaterials based on their intended use in medical devices or as pharmaceuticals.We also discuss the challenges surrounding implementation of such standard protocols and their implication for translation of nanotechnology into clinical practice.We,however,emphasize that practical implementation of standard protocols in experimental laboratories requires long-term planning through integration of stakeholders including institutions and funding agencies.

Mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecologic cancers.The standard therapy for ovarian cancer has been the same for the past two decades,a combination treatment of platinum with paclitaxel.Recently,the FDA approved three new therapeutic drugs,two poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase inhibitors(olaparib and niraparib)and one vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor(bevacizumab)as maintenance therapies for ovarian cancer.In this review,we summarize the resistance mechanisms for conventional platinum-based chemotherapy and for the newly FDA-approved drugs.