DOI: 10.4103/wkbj.wkbj_13_26 ISSN: 3118-0132

Exploring the Impact of PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors in Advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Bibliometric Review of Clinical Outcomes and Safety

Talshyn Amirkhanqyzy Nurulla, Anar Balkashevna Tulyayeva, Yerbol Zhasulanovich Bekmukhambetov, Saule Zhumabaevna Akhmetova
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BSTRACT

Background:

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers globally, representing a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is particularly challenging due to its aggressive nature and the lack of targeted therapies. Traditional treatment for advanced TNBC has relied on chemotherapy, but resistance to treatment and limited long-term remission underscore the need for alternative strategies. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have emerged as a promising immunotherapeutic approach in advanced TNBC, offering potential survival benefits. However, the safety and long-term efficacy of these inhibitors remain areas of concern.

Methods:

This bibliometric review assesses the literature surrounding PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in advanced TNBC, focusing on their clinical outcomes and safety profiles. Data were collected from Scopus and Web of Science databases, using a comprehensive search strategy. Publications were screened based on predefined inclusion criteria, focusing on studies that evaluate the survival and safety outcomes of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in advanced or metastatic TNBC. Descriptive bibliometric analysis was performed using RStudio and VOSviewer to examine publication trends, citation patterns, institutional and author contributions, co-authorship networks, and research hotspots.

Results:

A total of 50 publications met the inclusion criteria, with a significant increase in research output since 2018, peaking in 2024. Landmark studies, such as Schmid et al . (2020) and Cortés et al . (2022), were identified as highly influential in shaping the clinical adoption of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. The results demonstrated that the combination of atezolizumab with nab-paclitaxel and pembrolizumab with chemotherapy significantly improved progression-free survival in advanced TNBC. However, immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including pneumonitis and hypothyroidism, were identified as key concerns, although the incidence of severe irAEs remained relatively low. Collaboration between leading institutions and countries, such as China and the United States, played a central role in advancing research in this field.

Conclusions:

The use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in advanced TNBC has shown considerable promise, particularly when combined with chemotherapy. These inhibitors have become a cornerstone of treatment for metastatic TNBC, offering significant survival benefits. However, managing immune-related adverse events remains critical to optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Future research should focus on refining treatment regimens, assessing long-term outcomes, and exploring personalized immunotherapy strategies to enhance efficacy and minimize toxicity. Continued collaboration between academia and industry will be essential to fully realize the potential of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in TNBC management.

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