Research Article

Breast cancer treatment and melatonin: a bibliometric analysis

Volume: 6 Number: 6 December 27, 2025
TR EN

Breast cancer treatment and melatonin: a bibliometric analysis

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.

Keywords

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.

Ethical Statement

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

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

​Internal Diseases Nursing​, Nursing (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

December 27, 2025

Submission Date

October 26, 2025

Acceptance Date

November 11, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 6 Number: 6

APA
Şimşekli, D., & Güngör, B. (2025). Breast cancer treatment and melatonin: a bibliometric analysis. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care, 6(6), 655-661. https://doi.org/10.47582/jompac.1811112
AMA
1.Şimşekli D, Güngör B. Breast cancer treatment and melatonin: a bibliometric analysis. J Med Palliat Care / JOMPAC / jompac. 2025;6(6):655-661. doi:10.47582/jompac.1811112
Chicago
Şimşekli, Derya, and Birsen Güngör. 2025. “Breast Cancer Treatment and Melatonin: A Bibliometric Analysis”. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care 6 (6): 655-61. https://doi.org/10.47582/jompac.1811112.
EndNote
Şimşekli D, Güngör B (December 1, 2025) Breast cancer treatment and melatonin: a bibliometric analysis. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care 6 6 655–661.
IEEE
[1]D. Şimşekli and B. Güngör, “Breast cancer treatment and melatonin: a bibliometric analysis”, J Med Palliat Care / JOMPAC / jompac, vol. 6, no. 6, pp. 655–661, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.47582/jompac.1811112.
ISNAD
Şimşekli, Derya - Güngör, Birsen. “Breast Cancer Treatment and Melatonin: A Bibliometric Analysis”. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care 6/6 (December 1, 2025): 655-661. https://doi.org/10.47582/jompac.1811112.
JAMA
1.Şimşekli D, Güngör B. Breast cancer treatment and melatonin: a bibliometric analysis. J Med Palliat Care / JOMPAC / jompac. 2025;6:655–661.
MLA
Şimşekli, Derya, and Birsen Güngör. “Breast Cancer Treatment and Melatonin: A Bibliometric Analysis”. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care, vol. 6, no. 6, Dec. 2025, pp. 655-61, doi:10.47582/jompac.1811112.
Vancouver
1.Derya Şimşekli, Birsen Güngör. Breast cancer treatment and melatonin: a bibliometric analysis. J Med Palliat Care / JOMPAC / jompac. 2025 Dec. 1;6(6):655-61. doi:10.47582/jompac.1811112

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