B cell-associated research in non-small cell lung cancer: a bibliometric analysis of current landscapes and future directions.

Abstract

Background: Recent years have witnessed growing interest in the interplay between B cells and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) amid deepening investigations into cancer immunotherapy. B cells play pivotal roles in immunotherapeutic contexts by modulating tumor progression through immunoglobulin secretion, T-cell response activation, and direct tumoricidal activity. In this study, we employ bibliometric techniques to analyze research hotspots and evolutionary trends in NSCLC-associated B-cell investigations, aiming to inform future directions in this burgeoning field.

Methods: We conducted a systematic retrieval of peer-reviewed documents (original articles, reviews, editorials) from the Web of Science Core Collection (2004-2024). Bibliometric networks were constructed using CiteSpace 6.1.R6 and VOSviewer 1.6.18. With temporal productivity patterns analyzed through Microsoft Excel 2021.

Results: This study analyzed 437 publications from 1,677 institutions across 156 countries/regions, encompassing 3,360 researchers. Annual publications showed sustained growth (2004-2021) followed by decline (2022-2024). China demonstrated highest productivity (n = 169), the United States dominated total citations (6,943). Keyword and highly cited literature analyses primarily focused on elucidating B cell heterogeneity and tertiary lymphoid structures, deciphering B cell-T cell interaction mechanisms, and exploring synergistic applications of B cells with other immunotherapeutic approaches.

Conclusion: This study utilizes bibliometric analysis to explore research hotspots and developmental trends in B - cell - related studies of non - small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) over the past two decades. By elucidating the changing research landscape, this work aims to enhance researchers' comprehension of the immunological milieu and advancements in NSCLC immunotherapy, promote scientific advancement in this field, and provide directional guidance for future research.