2025-10-22
TNBC: exploring the global landscape of biomarkers and therapeutic prospects
Oncology
By Lila Rouland | Published October 22, 2025 | 3 min read
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the absence of hormonal receptors (ER, PR) and the HER2 protein. This particularity significantly limits targeted therapeutic options, leading to a poor prognosis marked by high recurrence and low overall survival rates. Given the biological heterogeneity of TNBC, global research efforts are increasingly focused on identifying reliable biomarkers to improve diagnosis, patient stratification, and treatment strategies.
The study presented here uses a rigorous bibliometric approach to map global trends, scientific collaborations, dominant research themes, and future perspectives in this strategic field.
Methodology
Using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Scimago Graphica, the authors analyzed 217 publications indexed in the Web of Science database, covering data up to August 2023. The analysis included authors, institutions, countries, keywords, co-citations, and journals.
Publication dynamics
Since 2015, there has been an exponential increase in both publications and citations. Key studies on immunotherapy (PD-L1, TILs) and BRCA mutations are among the most cited, reflecting growing interest in precision medicine.
Major contributors
Main research axes
The most frequent keywords and thematic clusters highlight six major biomarker categories:
Co-citation and temporal analysis
Research evolution follows three distinct phases:
Co-citation clusters reveal the progressive integration of bioinformatics and machine learning into recent studies — marking a major technological turning point in TNBC research.
TNBC remains one of oncology’s greatest challenges due to its aggressiveness and lack of conventional therapeutic targets. This bibliometric analysis highlights an intensifying global effort to identify robust biomarkers that can aid in early diagnosis, predict treatment response, and guide clinical decision-making.
The study outlines several key directions for future research:
Finally, the authors emphasize the need to strengthen international collaborations and encourage young researchers to adopt interdisciplinary approaches combining oncology, bioinformatics, and immunology.
About the author – Lila Rouland
With dual expertise in science and marketing, Lila brings her knowledge to the service of healthcare innovation. After five years in international academic research, she transitioned into medical and scientific communication within the pharmaceutical industry. Now working as a medical writer and content developer, she is committed to highlighting scientific knowledge and conveying it to healthcare professionals with clarity and relevance.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the absence of hormonal receptors (ER, PR) and the HER2 protein. This particularity significantly limits targeted therapeutic options, leading to a poor prognosis marked by high recurrence and low overall survival rates. Given the biological heterogeneity of TNBC, global research efforts are increasingly focused on identifying reliable biomarkers to improve diagnosis, patient stratification, and treatment strategies.
The study presented here uses a rigorous bibliometric approach to map global trends, scientific collaborations, dominant research themes, and future perspectives in this strategic field.
Who’s leading TNBC research? A global overview
Methodology
Using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Scimago Graphica, the authors analyzed 217 publications indexed in the Web of Science database, covering data up to August 2023. The analysis included authors, institutions, countries, keywords, co-citations, and journals.
Publication dynamics
Since 2015, there has been an exponential increase in both publications and citations. Key studies on immunotherapy (PD-L1, TILs) and BRCA mutations are among the most cited, reflecting growing interest in precision medicine.
Major contributors
- Countries: The United States, China, France, and the United Kingdom lead in publication volume and citation impact.
- Institutions: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Nanjing Medical University are central to collaborative networks.
- Key Journals: Frontiers in Oncology, Annals of Oncology, and Cancers are identified as the primary publication platforms.
Main research axes
The most frequent keywords and thematic clusters highlight six major biomarker categories:
- Immune biomarkers: PD-L1, TILs, CTLA-4, CD8+ T cells
- Tumor microenvironment: macrophages, inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α)
- Circulating biomarkers: circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells
- Metabolic biomarkers: VEGF, PIK3CA, Ki-67
- Genetic biomarkers: TP53, BRCA1/2 mutations, lncRNA, and miRNA
- Analytical methodologies: transcriptomics, multi-omics, artificial intelligence
Co-citation and temporal analysis
Research evolution follows three distinct phases:
- Pre-2011: Molecular classification and preclinical models.
- 2012–2017: Validation of molecular subtypes and therapeutic strategies.
- 2018–2023: Emergence of personalized approaches (liquid biopsy, AI, immunotherapy).
Co-citation clusters reveal the progressive integration of bioinformatics and machine learning into recent studies — marking a major technological turning point in TNBC research.
Can TNBC treatment finally be personalized through biomarkers?
TNBC remains one of oncology’s greatest challenges due to its aggressiveness and lack of conventional therapeutic targets. This bibliometric analysis highlights an intensifying global effort to identify robust biomarkers that can aid in early diagnosis, predict treatment response, and guide clinical decision-making.
The study outlines several key directions for future research:
- Integration of multi-omics approaches (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics)
- In-depth characterization of the tumor microenvironment
- Expanded use of machine learning to model therapeutic responses
- Implementation of liquid biopsies for real-time patient monitoring
- Personalized therapeutic strategies based on molecular profiling
Finally, the authors emphasize the need to strengthen international collaborations and encourage young researchers to adopt interdisciplinary approaches combining oncology, bioinformatics, and immunology.
Read next: Triple-negative breast cancer: can spatial and single-cell profiling predict response to immunotherapy and radiation?
About the author – Lila Rouland
Doctor of Oncology, specialized in Biotechnology and Management
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