Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Global and Current Research Trends of Single-Cell Sequencing in Cancer: A Bibliometric and Visualization Study
07:50

Global and Current Research Trends of Single-Cell Sequencing in Cancer: A Bibliometric and Visualization Study

Published on: April 18, 2025

Identifying research gaps in PIK3CA-mutant breast cancer: a bibliometric analysis of evolving trends and clinical

Min Yan1, Xinyu Li1, Fanfan Li1

  • 1Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.

Translational Cancer Research
|May 25, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study analyzes global research on Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) mutations in breast cancer. It reveals a shift from basic mechanisms to precision medicine, including liquid biopsy and targeted therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Bioinformatics

Background:

  • Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) mutations are frequent in breast cancer, impacting tumor biology and treatment.
  • Understanding PIK3CA mutation research is crucial for advancing breast cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research on PIK3CA mutations in breast cancer.
  • To identify key research hotspots and evolving trends in this field.

Main Methods:

  • Bibliometric analysis of 2,135 publications from 2000-2024 using Web of Science Core Collection.
  • VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R-bibliometrix were used for cluster and citation burst analyses.

Main Results:

  • Six major research hotspots were identified, spanning basic (molecular mechanisms, genomics) and clinical (therapeutics, subtypes) aspects.
  • US and China lead in publications; Harvard University and Unicancer are top institutions.
  • Research trends show a shift towards precision medicine, liquid biopsy, and targeted therapies like alpelisib.

Conclusions:

  • Bibliometric analysis highlights six key research areas in PIK3CA and breast cancer.
  • Current trends emphasize precision medicine, liquid biopsy, and combination therapies for individualized treatment.
Keywords:
Breast cancerbibliometric analysisphosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA)targeted therapy

Related Concept Videos

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a rapamycin-insensitive companion...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis02:15

M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis

Checkpoints throughout the cell cycle serve as safeguards and gatekeepers, allowing the cell cycle to progress in favorable conditions and slow or halt it in problematic ones. This regulation is known as the cell cycle control system.
Cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, work in concert with cyclins to control cell cycle transitions. M-Cdk, a complex of Cdk1 bound to M cyclin, is a well-known example of this coordinated control that drives the transition from the G2 to the M phase.
M cyclin...