Unveiling the global research status and intellectual map of cancer and immunosuppressants.

Abstract

Background: The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has significantly advanced cancer therapy, improving survival rates and prognosis for many patients. This study employs bibliometric methods to explore the current state and future trends in the field of immunosuppressants and cancer treatment.

Methods: Data were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded for articles and reviews published between 2014 and 2024 in the Web of Science database. 2,352 records were analyzed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, R software, and Microsoft Excel. The focus was on publication trends, citations, co-citation networks, keyword co-occurrence, and collaborative networks.

Results: The study identified a steady increase in publications and citations, with an average annual growth rate of 3.93%. The United States and China were the leading countries in research output, while the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School were key institutions. Research hotspots included ICIs, tumor microenvironment, and immune-related adverse events. Interdisciplinary collaboration was highlighted as crucial for advancing the field.

Conclusions: The growing body of research on cancer and immunosuppressants highlights the need for optimizing immunotherapy protocols, managing drug resistance, and exploring the potential of immunosuppressants in cancer treatment. Strengthening international collaboration is vital for translating research findings into clinical practice and improving patient outcomes. Despite the comprehensive analysis, the study's reliance on the WoSCC database and English-language publications may limit the generalizability of findings.