Heat Waves: A Bibliometric Analysis of Thermotherapy Research

This bibliometric study analyzes the evolving field of thermotherapy, a medical treatment that utilizes heat to treat various conditions, including cancer, by applying controlled temperatures to targeted tissues. Utilizing bibliographic data from the core collection of Web of Science and analysis software Biblioshiny and VOSviewer, we analyzed several key metrics to gain insights into the development and trends in thermotherapy research. The annual scientific production revealed a significant increase in publications over the past two decades, reflecting growing interest in this field. Analysis of the most relevant authors and sources highlighted key contributors and influential journals. Trend topics demonstrated a shift from early focus areas like hyperthermia and laser-induced thermotherapy to recent advancements involving nanoparticles and combination therapies. The thematic map provided insights into core, emerging, and niche areas within the research landscape. A historiograph traced the chronological development of significant publications, while the co-occurrence of keywords and bibliographic coupling of documents identified major themes and interconnections in the literature. International collaborations were mapped, showing the global nature of thermotherapy research. The study identified several research gaps, including the need for large-scale clinical trials, interdisciplinary approaches, and standardized treatment protocols. Practical implications suggest focusing on targeted delivery systems, expanding cancer research, and fostering collaborative projects to advance the field.