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A Bibliometric Analysis of Metabolic Reprogramming in the Tumor Microenvironment From 2003 to 2022
Yupeng Xi1, Rui Liu2, Xing Zhang2
1Department of General Internal Medicine, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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.
Insights
This bibliometric analysis reveals key trends in tumor microenvironment (TME) and metabolic reprogramming research. The United States leads in publications, with immunometabolism and tumor-associated macrophages as emerging hot topics.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Cancer immunotherapy faces limitations, partly due to resistance mechanisms involving tumor microenvironment (TME) interactions.
- Metabolic reprogramming within the TME significantly impacts anti-tumor immunity.
- Limited research has comprehensively explored the intersection of TME and metabolic reprogramming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a bibliometric analysis of research on metabolic reprogramming and the TME.
- To identify current research status, popular topics, and trends over a 20-year period (2003-2022).
Main Methods:
- Searched Web of Science Core Collection for relevant studies.
- Utilized bibliometric and visual analysis tools including Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace.
- Analyzed publication trends, citation counts, cooperation networks, and keyword clusters.
Main Results:
- A total of 4726 articles were published between 2003 and 2022, showing annual growth.
- The United States is the leading country in this research area.
- Key research clusters include TME, metabolic reprogramming, immunometabolism, and immunity, with recent focus on immunometabolism, glycolysis, immune cells, and tumor-associated macrophages.
Conclusions:
- This study provides a comprehensive overview of metabolic reprogramming and TME research.
- Highlights the growing importance of immunometabolism within the TME.
- Recommends transdisciplinary approaches for future research in this promising field.
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