Bibliometric Analysis of Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Geriatric Populations

This study aimed to analyze the literature published about small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) in geriatric populations on a global scale from 1979 to 2023. This bibliometric analysis was performed by gathering data from the Web of Science Core Data Collection, using keywords such as small-cell lung cancer, SCLC, extensive-stage SCLC (ES-SCLC), and oat cell cancer. The search was further refined to target an older adult population by incorporating keywords such as 65+ years of age, geriatric patients, and baby boomers. These articles were then analyzed using VOSviewer. Maps were generated using sorting methods, focusing specifically on organizations, countries, and keywords. More than 7,710 articles spanning from 1979 to 2023 were analyzed. The United States, the People's Republic of China, and Japan produced the most publications on small-cell lung cancer in geriatric patients. When analyzing keywords used in studies on small-cell lung cancer in geriatric patients, many were related to the treatment and therapy of the disease. This bibliometric analysis shows that as time progresses, the focus of the United States, the People's Republic of China, and Japan is to increase research on therapeutics and treatments to help remedy small-cell lung cancer in order to decrease fatal lung cancer diagnoses in geriatric patients. If these countries continue their research efforts as before, more advancements in treatment can be made to ultimately find a cure for small-cell lung cancer, particularly impacting geriatric populations.