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Article

Equity and Access in Cancer Immunotherapy: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research on Social Determinants and Health Disparities

Derek Bakarbessy ORCID ,  Vernando Yanry Lameky ORCID

    Received: 01 August 2025; Revised: 15 August 2025; Accepted: 21 August 2025; Published: 10 October 2025

    Abstract

    Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a breakthrough treatment, but access to this therapy is heavily influenced by social, geographic, and economic factors, potentially widening healthcare disparities. This study aimed to analyse global trends in scientific publications related to cancer immunotherapy within the context of social justice, service access, and social determinants of health through a bibliometric approach. Data were collected from the Scopus database (2017–2025) using a defined Boolean search query, and analysis was performed using VOSviewer, Publish or Perish, and Microsoft Excel. The results show a gradual increase in publications, with a significant spike in 2021 and a peak in 2024. The United States was the primary hub for knowledge production, followed by European countries, while developing regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America had minimal representation. International collaboration patterns revealed the dominance of North–North partnerships, with limited involvement from developing countries. Keyword analysis highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, addressing social determinants, healthcare access, and financing issues, but also revealed underexplored areas such as cultural contexts and social support. The findings emphasise the urgent need for more inclusive research agendas and international collaborations involving low- and middle-income countries. Strengthening capacity building, integrating regional and non-English databases, and prioritising social and cultural dimensions in future research are recommended strategies to ensure that advances in cancer immunotherapy contribute to reducing, rather than exacerbating, global health inequities.

    Keywords

    References

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