Mapping knowledge translation and innovation processes in Cancer Drug Development: the case of liposomal doxorubicin

TL;DR

This paper maps the knowledge translation and innovation processes in cancer drug development, specifically liposomal doxorubicin, using network and semantic analysis to identify key stages and clusters in the research evolution.

Contribution

It introduces a novel methodological approach combining network and semantic analysis to map innovation processes in drug development.

Findings

Identified clusters related to different development stages

Mapped the emergence of Doxil as a paradigmatic nanodrug

Provided a methodological tool for decision-making in drug research

Abstract

We explored how the knowledge translation and innovation processes are structured when they result in innovations, as in the case of liposomal doxorubicin research. In order to map the processes, a literature network analysis was made through Cytoscape and semantic analysis was performed by GOPubmed which is based in the controlled vocabularies MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) and GO (Gene Ontology). We found clusters related to different stages of the technological development (invention, innovation and imitation) and the knowledge translation process (preclinical, translational and clinical research), and we were able to map the historic emergence of Doxil as a paradigmatic nanodrug. This research could be a powerful methodological tool for decision-making and innovation management in drug delivery research.