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Meme kanseri tedavisi ve melatonin: bibliyometrik analiz

Year 2025, Volume: 6 Issue: 6, 655 - 661, 27.12.2025
https://doi.org/10.47582/jompac.1811112

Abstract

ÖZET
Amaçlar: Meme kanseri, dünya çapında kadınlar arasında en yaygın kanser türüdür. Kemoterapi, radyoterapi ve hormon tedavisi gibi geleneksel tedavilerdeki ilerlemelere rağmen, hastalar sıklıkla yaşam kalitelerini önemli ölçüde bozan komplikasyonlardan muzdariptir. Sirkadiyen ritmi düzenlemesiyle bilinen bir nörohormon olan melatonin, anti-kanser, antioksidan ve bağışıklık güçlendirici özellikleri nedeniyle dikkat çekmektedir. Bu çalışma, meme kanseri tedavisinde tamamlayıcı bir ajan olarak melatonin kullanımını inceleyen bilimsel literatürün kapsamlı bir bibliyometrik analizini yapmayı amaçlamaktadır.
Yöntemler: VOSviewer yazılımı kullanılarak bir bibliyometrik analiz gerçekleştirilmiştir. 20 Nisan 2025 tarihinde Web of Science veritabanında “melatonin”, “meme kanseri” ve “tedavi” anahtar kelimeleri kullanılarak arama yapılmış ve 598 sonuç elde edilmiştir. Yayın eğilimleri, yazar ağları, kurumsal işbirlikleri ve anahtar kelime dağılımları dahil olmak üzere çeşitli bibliyometrik göstergeler analiz edildi.
Bulgular: Analiz, 1985'ten 2025'e kadar yayınlarda artış eğilimi olduğunu ve en yüksek zirvenin 2020-2021'de olduğunu ortaya koydu. Yayın sayısında Amerika Birleşik Devletleri, İspanya ve Çin başı çekerken, Türkiye 62 ülke arasında 13. sırada yer aldı. Russel J. Reiter, hem atıf hem de işbirliği ağlarında en etkili yazar olarak öne çıktı. Journal of Pineal Research en çok atıf alan dergi olarak belirlendi. Anahtar kelime analizi, “apoptoz”, ‘kemoterapi’ ve “sirkadiyen ritim” gibi terimlerin yüksek sıklıkta tekrarlandığını gösterdi, bu da melatoninin kanser biyolojisinde çok yönlü rolünü ortaya koydu.
Sonuç: Bu çalışma, meme kanseri tedavisinde melatonin kullanımına ilişkin bilimsel manzaraya ilişkin ilk bibliyometrik haritalamayı sunmaktadır. Çalışma, önemli katkı sağlayanları, araştırma eğilimlerini ve ortaya çıkan temaları vurgulamaktadır. Küresel ilginin artmasına rağmen, Türkiye'de önemli bir araştırma boşluğu bulunmaktadır. Bulgular, bu gelişen alanda gelecekteki çalışmalar ve stratejik araştırma planlaması için değerli bir referans sunmaktadır.

Ethical Statement

Bu bir bibliyometrik analiz olduğu için etik kurul izni gerekmedi.

Supporting Institution

Yazarlar, bu çalışmanın hiçbir finansal destek almadığını beyan etmişlerdir.

Project Number

The authors declared that this study has received no financial support.

References

  • Breast cancer, prevention and control. World Health Organization. 2022. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer
  • Xu H, Xu B. Breast cancer: epidemiology, risk factors and screening. Chinese J Cancer Res. 2023;35(6):565-583. doi:10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604. 2023.06.02
  • Global Cancer Observatory. Cancer Tomorrow. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). 2024. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://gco.iarc.fr/tomorrow
  • Özçınar Z, Yılmaz E, Yeniay L, Baydur H. Meme kanseri tanısı alan hastalarda hastalık kabulü ve yaşam kalitesinin incelenmesi. Anadolu Klin Tıp Bilim Derg. 2024;29(2):147-157. doi:10.21673/anadoluklin. 1339663
  • Mukhopadhyay ND, Khorasanchi A, Pandey S, et al. Melatonin supplementation for cancer-related fatigue in patients with early stage breast cancer receiving radiotherapy: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Oncologist. 2024;29(2):E206-E212. doi:10.1093/oncolo/oyad250
  • Sedighi Pashaki A, Mohammadian K, Afshar S, et al. A randomized, controlled, parallel-group, trial on the effects of melatonin on fatigue associated with breast cancer and its adjuvant treatments. Integr Cancer Ther. 2021;20:1-6. doi:10.1177/1534735420988343
  • Bartsch C, Bartsch H, Jain AK, Laumas KR, Wetterberg L. Urinary melatonin levels in human breast cancer patients. J Neural Transm. 1981;52(4):281-294. doi:10.1007/BF01256753
  • Danforth D, Tamarkin L, Chabner B, Demoss E, Lichter A, Lippman M. Altered diurnal secretory pattern of melatonin in patients with estrogen-receptor positıie breast-cancer. Clin Res. 1982;30(2):A532-A532. doi:10. 1126/science.7079745
  • Ram PT, Kiefer T, Silverman M, Song Y, Brown GM, Hill SM. Estrogen receptor transactivation in MCF-7 breast cancer cells by melatonin and growth factors. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 1998;141(1-2):53-64. doi:10.1016/s0303-7207(98)00095-1
  • Eck KM, Hill SM. Investigation of the mechanisms through which sequential treatment with melatonin and all-trans retinoic acid induces apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Faseb J. 1998;12(5):A1106-A1106. doi:10.1038/bjc.1998.357
  • Blask D, EBlask DE, Brainard GC, et al. Melatonin-depleted blood from premenopausal women exposed to light at night stimulates growth of human breast cancer xenografts in nude rats. Cancer Res. 2005;65(23): 11174-11184. doi:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-05-1945
  • Megdal SP, Kroenke CH, Laden F, Pukkala E, Schernhammer ES. Night work and breast cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Cancer. 2005;41(13):2023-2032. doi:10.1016/j.ejca.2005.05.010
  • Celorrio San Miguel AM, Cacharro LM, Santamaría G, et al. Adjuvant melatonin therapy during exercise prescription in breast cancer survivors on physical and anthropometric parameters, quality of life, and hormonal response. A randomized controlled trial. Front Sport Act Living. 2025;7:1594733. doi:10.3389/fspor.2025.1594733
  • Sadeghi Yazdankhah S, Javadinia SA, Welsh JS, Mosalaei A. Efficacy of melatonin in alleviating radiotherapy-induced fatigue, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer patients: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Integr Cancer Ther. 2025;24:15347354251371705. doi:10. 1177/15347354251371705
  • Şimşekli D. Meme kanseri tedavisinde melatoninin etkisi. Ağrı Tıp Fakültesi Derg. 2025;3(3):139-146. doi:10.61845/agrimedical.1688576
  • Donthu N, Kumar S, Mukherjee D, Pandey N, Lim WM. How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: an overview and guidelines. J Bus Res. 2021;133(May):285-296. doi:10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.04.070
  • Passas I. Bibliometric analysis: the main steps. Encyclopedia. 2024;4(2): 1014-1025. doi:10.3390/encyclopedia4020065
  • Korkmaz A, Sanchez-Barcelo EJ, Tan DX, Reiter RJ. Role of melatonin in the epigenetic regulation of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2009; 115(1):13-27. doi:10.1007/s10549-008-0103-5
  • Reiter RJ, Sharma RN, Chuffa LG de A, da Silva DGH, Rosales-Corral S. Intrinsically synthesized melatonin in mitochondria and factors controlling its production. Histol Histopathol. 2025;40(3):271-282. doi: 10.14670/HH-18-776
  • Shneider A, Kudriavtsev A, Vakhrusheva A. Can melatonin reduce the severity of COVID-19 pandemic? Int Rev Immunol. 2020;39(4):153-162. doi:10.1080/08830185.2020.1756284
  • Tanriover G, Dilmac S, Aytac G, Farooqi AA, Sindel M. Effects of melatonin and doxorubicin on primary tumor and metastasis in breast cancer model. Anti-Cancer Agents Med Chem Agents). 2022;22(10):1970-1983. doi:10.2174/1871520621666211213094258
  • Cos S, Sánchez-Barceló EJ. Invited reviews-melatonin, experimental basis for a possible application in breast cancer prevention and treatment. Histol Histopathol. 2000;15(2):537-548. doi:10.14670/HH-15.637
  • Davis VL, Dodda BR, Witt-Enderby PA. Prevention and treatment of breast cancer using melatonin. In: Melatonin in the Promotion of Health. 2011.
  • Sabzichi M, Samadi N, Mohammadian J, Hamishehkar H, Akbarzadeh M, Molavi O. Sustained release of melatonin: a novel approach in elevating efficacy of tamoxifen in breast cancer treatment. Colloids Surfaces B Biointerfaces. 2016;145:64-71. doi:10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.04.042
  • Samei E, Mozdarani H, Samiei F, Javadi G. Radioprotective effects of combined melatonin and famotidine treatment on radiation induced apoptosis in peripheral blood leukocytes of breast cancer patients and normal individuals. Cell J. 2021;23(5):562-567. doi:10.22074/cellj.2021. 7378
  • Nimee F, Gioxari A, Papandreou P, et al. The effect of melatonin supplementation on cancer-related fatigue during chemotherapy treatment of breast cancer patients: a double-blind, randomized controlled study. Cancers (Basel). 2024;16:802. doi:10.3390/cancers 16040802

Breast cancer treatment and melatonin: a bibliometric analysis

Year 2025, Volume: 6 Issue: 6, 655 - 661, 27.12.2025
https://doi.org/10.47582/jompac.1811112

Abstract

Aims: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women globally. Despite advancements in conventional therapies—such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgical treatment, and hormone therapy—patients frequently suffer from complications that significantly impair their quality of life. Melatonin, a neurohormone primarily known for regulating the circadian rhythm, has gained attention due to its anti-cancer, antioxidant, and immune-enhancing properties. This study aims to perform a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of scientific literature examining the use of melatonin as a complementary agent in breast cancer treatment.
Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the VOSviewer software. The Web of Science database was searched on April 20, 2025, using the keywords “melatonin” and “breast cancer” and “treatment”, retrieving 598 results. Various bibliometric indicators were analyzed, including publication trends, authorship networks, institutional collaborations, and keyword distributions.
Results: The analysis revealed an increasing trend in publications from 1985 to 2025, with the highest peak in 2020–2021. The United States, Spain, and China led in publication output, while Turkey ranked 13th among 62 countries. Russel J. Reiter emerged as the most influential author in both citation and collaboration networks. The Journal of Pineal Research was identified as the most cited journal. Keyword analysis showed high recurrence of terms such as “apoptosis,” “chemotherapy,” and “circadian rhythm,” indicating the multifaceted role of melatonin in cancer biology.
Conclusion: This study provides the first bibliometric mapping of the scientific landscape concerning melatonin use in breast cancer treatment. It highlights key contributors, research trends, and emerging themes. Despite increasing global interest, a significant research gap exists in Turkey. The findings offer a valuable reference for future studies and strategic research planning in this evolving field.

Ethical Statement

Since it was a bibliometric analysis, ethics committee permission was not required.

Supporting Institution

The authors declared that this study has received no financial support.

Project Number

The authors declared that this study has received no financial support.

References

  • Breast cancer, prevention and control. World Health Organization. 2022. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer
  • Xu H, Xu B. Breast cancer: epidemiology, risk factors and screening. Chinese J Cancer Res. 2023;35(6):565-583. doi:10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604. 2023.06.02
  • Global Cancer Observatory. Cancer Tomorrow. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). 2024. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://gco.iarc.fr/tomorrow
  • Özçınar Z, Yılmaz E, Yeniay L, Baydur H. Meme kanseri tanısı alan hastalarda hastalık kabulü ve yaşam kalitesinin incelenmesi. Anadolu Klin Tıp Bilim Derg. 2024;29(2):147-157. doi:10.21673/anadoluklin. 1339663
  • Mukhopadhyay ND, Khorasanchi A, Pandey S, et al. Melatonin supplementation for cancer-related fatigue in patients with early stage breast cancer receiving radiotherapy: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Oncologist. 2024;29(2):E206-E212. doi:10.1093/oncolo/oyad250
  • Sedighi Pashaki A, Mohammadian K, Afshar S, et al. A randomized, controlled, parallel-group, trial on the effects of melatonin on fatigue associated with breast cancer and its adjuvant treatments. Integr Cancer Ther. 2021;20:1-6. doi:10.1177/1534735420988343
  • Bartsch C, Bartsch H, Jain AK, Laumas KR, Wetterberg L. Urinary melatonin levels in human breast cancer patients. J Neural Transm. 1981;52(4):281-294. doi:10.1007/BF01256753
  • Danforth D, Tamarkin L, Chabner B, Demoss E, Lichter A, Lippman M. Altered diurnal secretory pattern of melatonin in patients with estrogen-receptor positıie breast-cancer. Clin Res. 1982;30(2):A532-A532. doi:10. 1126/science.7079745
  • Ram PT, Kiefer T, Silverman M, Song Y, Brown GM, Hill SM. Estrogen receptor transactivation in MCF-7 breast cancer cells by melatonin and growth factors. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 1998;141(1-2):53-64. doi:10.1016/s0303-7207(98)00095-1
  • Eck KM, Hill SM. Investigation of the mechanisms through which sequential treatment with melatonin and all-trans retinoic acid induces apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Faseb J. 1998;12(5):A1106-A1106. doi:10.1038/bjc.1998.357
  • Blask D, EBlask DE, Brainard GC, et al. Melatonin-depleted blood from premenopausal women exposed to light at night stimulates growth of human breast cancer xenografts in nude rats. Cancer Res. 2005;65(23): 11174-11184. doi:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-05-1945
  • Megdal SP, Kroenke CH, Laden F, Pukkala E, Schernhammer ES. Night work and breast cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Cancer. 2005;41(13):2023-2032. doi:10.1016/j.ejca.2005.05.010
  • Celorrio San Miguel AM, Cacharro LM, Santamaría G, et al. Adjuvant melatonin therapy during exercise prescription in breast cancer survivors on physical and anthropometric parameters, quality of life, and hormonal response. A randomized controlled trial. Front Sport Act Living. 2025;7:1594733. doi:10.3389/fspor.2025.1594733
  • Sadeghi Yazdankhah S, Javadinia SA, Welsh JS, Mosalaei A. Efficacy of melatonin in alleviating radiotherapy-induced fatigue, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer patients: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Integr Cancer Ther. 2025;24:15347354251371705. doi:10. 1177/15347354251371705
  • Şimşekli D. Meme kanseri tedavisinde melatoninin etkisi. Ağrı Tıp Fakültesi Derg. 2025;3(3):139-146. doi:10.61845/agrimedical.1688576
  • Donthu N, Kumar S, Mukherjee D, Pandey N, Lim WM. How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: an overview and guidelines. J Bus Res. 2021;133(May):285-296. doi:10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.04.070
  • Passas I. Bibliometric analysis: the main steps. Encyclopedia. 2024;4(2): 1014-1025. doi:10.3390/encyclopedia4020065
  • Korkmaz A, Sanchez-Barcelo EJ, Tan DX, Reiter RJ. Role of melatonin in the epigenetic regulation of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2009; 115(1):13-27. doi:10.1007/s10549-008-0103-5
  • Reiter RJ, Sharma RN, Chuffa LG de A, da Silva DGH, Rosales-Corral S. Intrinsically synthesized melatonin in mitochondria and factors controlling its production. Histol Histopathol. 2025;40(3):271-282. doi: 10.14670/HH-18-776
  • Shneider A, Kudriavtsev A, Vakhrusheva A. Can melatonin reduce the severity of COVID-19 pandemic? Int Rev Immunol. 2020;39(4):153-162. doi:10.1080/08830185.2020.1756284
  • Tanriover G, Dilmac S, Aytac G, Farooqi AA, Sindel M. Effects of melatonin and doxorubicin on primary tumor and metastasis in breast cancer model. Anti-Cancer Agents Med Chem Agents). 2022;22(10):1970-1983. doi:10.2174/1871520621666211213094258
  • Cos S, Sánchez-Barceló EJ. Invited reviews-melatonin, experimental basis for a possible application in breast cancer prevention and treatment. Histol Histopathol. 2000;15(2):537-548. doi:10.14670/HH-15.637
  • Davis VL, Dodda BR, Witt-Enderby PA. Prevention and treatment of breast cancer using melatonin. In: Melatonin in the Promotion of Health. 2011.
  • Sabzichi M, Samadi N, Mohammadian J, Hamishehkar H, Akbarzadeh M, Molavi O. Sustained release of melatonin: a novel approach in elevating efficacy of tamoxifen in breast cancer treatment. Colloids Surfaces B Biointerfaces. 2016;145:64-71. doi:10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.04.042
  • Samei E, Mozdarani H, Samiei F, Javadi G. Radioprotective effects of combined melatonin and famotidine treatment on radiation induced apoptosis in peripheral blood leukocytes of breast cancer patients and normal individuals. Cell J. 2021;23(5):562-567. doi:10.22074/cellj.2021. 7378
  • Nimee F, Gioxari A, Papandreou P, et al. The effect of melatonin supplementation on cancer-related fatigue during chemotherapy treatment of breast cancer patients: a double-blind, randomized controlled study. Cancers (Basel). 2024;16:802. doi:10.3390/cancers 16040802
There are 26 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects ​Internal Diseases Nursing​, Nursing (Other)
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Derya Şimşekli 0000-0002-3904-951X

Birsen Güngör 0000-0001-8822-3935

Project Number The authors declared that this study has received no financial support.
Submission Date October 26, 2025
Acceptance Date November 11, 2025
Publication Date December 27, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 6 Issue: 6

Cite

AMA Şimşekli D, Güngör B. Breast cancer treatment and melatonin: a bibliometric analysis. J Med Palliat Care / JOMPAC / jompac. December 2025;6(6):655-661. doi:10.47582/jompac.1811112

TR DİZİN ULAKBİM and International Indexes (1d)

Interuniversity Board (UAK) Equivalency: Article published in Ulakbim TR Index journal [10 POINTS], and Article published in other (excuding 1a, b, c) international indexed journal (1d) [5 POINTS]



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