Published online Jun 15, 2025. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v17.i6.105781
Revised: March 22, 2025
Accepted: April 17, 2025
Published online: June 15, 2025
Processing time: 127 Days and 4.3 Hours
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and the research landscape has rapidly evolved over the past two decades. Despite significant progress, an in-depth analysis of global research trends, collaborative networks, and emerging themes in HCC remains limited. This study aimed to fill this gap by conducting a bibliometric analysis to map the research output, identify key contributors, and highlight future directions in HCC research. We hypothesized that the analysis would reveal a growing focus on molecular mechanisms and immunotherapy, with increasing contributions from specific countries and institutions.
To investigate global research trends, collaborative networks, and emerging themes in HCC from 2004 to 2023.
A bibliometric analysis was performed using 93987 publications from the Science Citation Index Expanded Database of the Web of Science Core Collection. Data were analyzed using the VOSviewer software to identify publication trends, leading contributors, and research themes. Key metrics included annual pub
The number of annual publications increased from 2341 in 2004 to 8756 in 2023, with 65583 papers (69.78%) published between 2014 and 2023. China, the United States, and Japan were the top contributors, constituting 58.3% of total publications. PLOS One published the most studies (n = 2145), while Gastroenterology had the highest average number of citations (78.4 citations per paper). Fudan University was the most prolific institution (n = 1872). Thematic analysis identified five main clusters, namely molecular mechanisms, therapeutic strategies, prognosis and immunology, risk factors, and diagnostic approaches.
This study highlights the growing focus on HCC research, particularly in immunotherapy and molecular mechanisms, underscoring the significance of international collaboration to advance diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Core Tip: This study offers a comprehensive bibliometric and visual analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma research from 2004 to 2023, covering 93987 publications. It identified key trends, influential journals, leading countries and institutions, and international collaboration patterns. The analysis highlighted evolving research hot spots, including molecular mechanisms, diagnosis, therapeutic strategies, and immunology. Notably, immune-related studies have increasingly integrated with prognostic research in recent years, reflecting a shift toward personalized treatment. These findings provide valuable insights into the development of hepatocellular carcinoma research and its future clinical applications.