Mapping breast cancer research on monoclonal antibodies: a data-driven approach using VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, and CiteSpace.

Journal: Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology
Published Date: Jun 25, 2025

Abstract

Monoclonal Antibodies and Breast Cancer Research (MABCR) has progressed substantially, particularly in the areas of HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer. However, a comprehensive synthesis of global trends, influential contributors, and emerging research areas remains lacking. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of MABCR, highlighting major research trajectories, key publications, and evolving themes. Using data from the Scopus database spanning 1972 to 2024 and applying a multistep search strategy cross-validated with MeSH terms, 14,764 English-language original research articles were identified across 2125 sources. Non-research documents, duplicates, and retractions were excluded. Quantitative analysis was conducted using Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. The annual publication growth rate was 17.8%. The USA and China were the leading contributors, while Breast Cancer Research and Treatment emerged as the most prolific journal. Influential authors such as Slamon, Baselga, and Hortobagyi were identified based on publication volume, H-index, and citation impact. Co-citation analysis revealed major thematic clusters including HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer, trastuzumab deruxtecan, and the integration of machine learning in MABCR. Emerging areas of interest include HER2-low subtypes and tumor microenvironment profiling using radiomics and multi-omic approaches. This analysis provides a structured overview of MABCR, offering valuable insights to guide future research and foster innovation in precision oncology.

Authors

  • Siddig Ibrahim Abdelwahab
    Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
  • Sivakumar S Moni
    Health Research Centre, Jazan University, 45142, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
  • Manal Mohamed Elhassan Taha
    Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Khaled A Sahli
    General Directorate of Medical Services, Ministry of Interior, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Hatem Ahmed Salem Alqhtani
    King Fahad Central Hospital, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
  • Moath Mohamed Farasani
    Prince Mohamed Bin Naser Hospital Jazan, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Marwa Qadri
    Health Research Centre, Jazan University, 45142, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
  • Abdulaziz Alarifi
    Department of Computer Science, Community College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Amani Khardali
    Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, 45142, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
  • Khulud Hamoud Alsaadi
    Department of Biological Sciences, Jeddah University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Abdullah Farasani
    Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University.
  • Nizar A Khamjan
    Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
  • Humaid Al-Shamsi
    Burjeel Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 92510, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
  • Jobran M Moshi
    Health Research Centre, Jazan University, 45142, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
  • Saeed Alshahrani
    Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, 45142, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
  • Ahmed Salawi
    Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, 45142, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
  • Ahmad Assiri
    Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
  • Ayah Ibrahim
    Ministry of Education, Jazan University, 45142, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

Keywords

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