UMI Medical Journal
Vol 10 No 2 (2025): UMI Medical Journal

A Bibliometric Analysis of HER2 Positivity as a Predictor of Brain Metastases in Breast Cancer: Insights from VOSviewer

Sakinah Mar'ie Sanad (Specialist Neurology Doctor Education Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Denpasar, Indonesia)
I Made Oka Adnyana (Specialist Neurology Doctor Education Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Denpasar, Indonesia)
I Putu Eka Widyadharma (Specialist Neurology Doctor Education Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Denpasar, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background: HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) is known for its aggressive behavior and increased risk of brain metastases (BM), which worsens patient prognosis and limits therapeutic options due to the blood brain barrier (BBB). This study systematically evaluates HER2 overexpression as a predictive factor of BM in breast cancer patients through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and visualizes global research trends using VOSviewer. Methods: A total of 20 peer-reviewed primary studies published between 2015–2025 were analyzed from PubMed and Scopus databases using the PRISMA framework. Selection was guided by the PICOTS model, and data synthesis included clinical predictors, therapeutic outcomes, and prognostic models. Bibliometric metadata were processed using VOSviewer to explore thematic evolution. Results: HER2 overexpression is consistently linked with earlier BM onset, higher incidence, and distinct survival patterns. Advanced HER2-targeted agents like tucatinib and pyrotinib demonstrated enhanced CNS control. VOSviewer maps revealed five thematic clusters: HER2-targeted therapy, BM prediction models, survival analysis, CNS drug resistance, and HER2-low classification. Conclusion: HER2 positivity is an independent prognostic marker for brain metastases in BC. Its integration into CNS risk stratification and personalized therapy protocols may enhance clinical outcomes in high-risk patients

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Journal Info

Abbrev

umimedicaljournal

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Education Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Umi Medical Journal (UMEDJ) is a field of health in the broadest sense such as medicine, public health, nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, health psychology, nutrition, biomedical sciences. ...