Mapping the landscape of metabolic reprogramming research in lung cancer: a bibliometric and visualized analysis

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with a poor prognosis despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment. Metabolic reprogramming, a key feature of cancer, allows tumor cells to survive and grow under harsh conditions, making it a crucial area of study. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of global trends, influential studies, and key developments in this field.

We conducted a bibliometric analysis using the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database from 2004 to 2024. Publications related to metabolic reprogramming and lung cancer were retrieved and analyzed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace to examine publication trends, research collaborations, keyword co-occurrence, and citation networks.

A total of 1078 publications were analyzed, with research output increasing significantly after 2015. China and the United States were the leading contributors, engaging in extensive international collaborations. Pioneering studies by researchers such as Ralph J. DeBerardinis and Otto Warburg underscored the importance of altered metabolism in lung cancer. Key emerging topics included the role of cancer stem cells, changes in tumor metabolism, and new treatment approaches targeting metabolic pathways. The integration of laboratory research with clinical applications, including novel drugs and immunotherapies, demonstrated promising directions for future treatments.

This bibliometric analysis maps the research landscape of metabolic reprogramming in lung cancer, identifying influential contributors and emerging research themes. Future studies should explore advanced technologies like single-cell analysis and investigate how metabolic changes are regulated at the molecular level. A deeper understanding of these processes could lead to innovative treatment strategies and better patient outcomes.