A bibliometric analysis of immune response in oral cancer

Abstract

Abstract Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a type of oral cancer, has a high mortality rate and unfavorable outcomes. Its tumor microenvironment (TME) is intricate and adaptable, with research frequently focusing on the immune reaction. Scholars are exploring ways to enhance survival by bolstering the immune response within the TME. However, a comprehensive trend analysis is lacking. Bibliometric analysis can address this by visualizing research patterns. This study aimed to map these trends in OSCC immunology from 2003 to 2023. Methods An immunology-focused search on OSCC was executed within the Web of Science Core Collection, spanning 2003 to 2023. Despite its narrow focus, the search offers a telling glimpse of current researches in this domain. Bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewer, Citespace, Scimago Graphica, and R software. Results From 2003 to 2023, the field has published 805 publications, predominantly from China and the United States. The most valuable contributing author is Friedman Jay, topping co-citation counts. The journal Oral Oncology is the leading journal with the highest publication volume. An analysis of keyword bursts indicated that research into nivolumab and chemotherapy is a prevalent area of interest within the clinical community. These findings suggest that neoadjuvant immunotherapy represents a promising avenue for future therapeutic development. Conclusions This study presented a summary of the current trends and research frontiers in the field of immunological aspects of OSCC. This summary can serve as a valuable reference and a source of new insights into this area of research.

Keywords

• Oral cancer
• Neoadjuvant immunotherapy
• OSCC (Oral squamous cell carcinoma)
• Tumor microenvironment
• Bibliometric analysis
• Nivolumab