A Bibliometric Analysis of Metabolic Reprogramming in the Tumor Microenvironment From 2003 to 2022

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Despite considerable progress in cancer immunotherapy, it is not available for many patients. Resistance to immune checkpoint blockers arises from the intricate interactions between cancer and its microenvironment. Metabolic reprogramming in tumor and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) influences anti‐tumor immune responses by remodeling the immune microenvironment. Metabolic reprogramming has emerged as an important hallmark of tumorigenesis. However, few studies have focused on the TME and metabolic reprogramming. Therefore, we aimed to explore the current research status and popular topics in TME‐related metabolic reprogramming over a 20 years using a bibliometric approach. Methods Studies focusing on metabolic reprogramming and TME were searched using the Web of Science Core Collection database. Bibliometric and visual analyses of the articles and reviews were performed using Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. Results In total, 4726 articles published between 2003 and 2022 were selected. The number of publications and citations has increased annually. Cooperation network analysis indicated that the United States holds the foremost position in metabolic reprogramming and TME research with the highest volume of publications and citations, thus exerting the greatest influence. Among these institutions, Fudan University displayed the highest level of productivity. Frontiers in Immunology showed the highest degree of productivity in this field. Ho Ping‐Chih made the most article contributions, and Pearce Edward J. was the most co‐cited author. Four clusters were obtained after a cluster analysis of the authors' keywords: TME, metabolic reprogramming, immunometabolism, and immunity. Immunometabolism, glycolysis, immune cells, and tumor‐associated macrophages are relatively recent keywords that have attracted increasing attention. Conclusions A comprehensive landscape of advancements in metabolic reprogramming and the TME was evaluated, which provided crucial information for scholars to further advance this promising field. Further research should explore new topics related to immunometabolism in the TME using a transdisciplinary approach.

Keywords

• bibliometric analysis
• immunotherapy
• metabolic reprogramming
• tumor microenvironment
• tumor‐infiltrating immune cells