Mapping Knowledge Landscapes and Themes Trends of Breast Cancer Stem Cells: A Comprehensive Data-Mining-Based Study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biomedical Research
• Bibliometrics

Background:

• Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) present significant challenges in treatment, contributing to resistance, recurrence, and metastasis.
• Targeting BCSCs is a critical therapeutic strategy, yet the research landscape remains underexplored.
• No bibliometric analysis has comprehensively mapped the field of BCSC research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first bibliometric analysis of breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) research.
• To map the global research output, identify key contributors, and analyze research trends and hotspots.
• To provide insights for future research directions and policy-making in BCSC studies.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of 1771 BCSC-related publications from 1998-2023.
• Data extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection.
• Analysis performed using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and two online platforms.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in BCSC publications, with an 18.4% annual growth rate.
• China and the USA are leading contributors, with the University of Michigan System being the most prolific institution.
• Current research focuses on stemness, biomarkers, signaling pathways, therapeutic targeting, resistance, and microenvironment.
• Emerging research areas include ferroptosis, GLI1, molecular docking, tumor microenvironment, and triple-negative breast cancer.
• Key genes identified include TGFB1, STAT3, MYC, GAPDH, and INS.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first comprehensive bibliometric overview of BCSC research.
• Identifies current research frontiers and emerging trends in the field.
• Serves as a valuable reference for researchers and policymakers to guide future BCSC research efforts.