Advances and frontiers in pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer research (2000-2024): a bibliometric analysis

Lung cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In pulmonary fibrosis (PF), the incidence of lung cancer is elevated, and its prognosis is worse compared to the general population. With the development of related research, the relationship between lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis has received close attention. However, comprehensive and objective reports on this topic remain scarce. Therefore, this study aims to identify research hotspots and visualize evolving trends and collaboration networks in the field of pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer using bibliometric and knowledge mapping tools.

Articles in the field of pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer were retrieved using the Web of Science core collection subject search, and bibliometric analysis was performed in CiteSpace, VOSviewer, ChiPlot (https://www.chiplot.online/) and Bibliometrix (R-Tool of R-Studio).

This bibliometric analysis included 1,830 publications from 2000 to 2024, showing a steady increase over time. Collaborative network analysis identifies Japan, the United States, and China as the most influential countries, contributing the highest publications and citations. Respiratory Research is the leading journal. Bade BC is a key author, with Lung Cancer 2020: Epidemiology, Etiology, and Prevention as the most cited work. Literature and keyword analyses indicate a primary focus on diagnosis and survival, with recent shifts toward gene regulation and pulmonary inflammation. Emerging research highlights epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and chronic inflammation in lung cancer development among IPF patients. Notably, studies on immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., PD-1/PD-L1) have surged, reflecting a growing interest in immunotherapy.

This study is the first to employ bibliometric methods to visualize research trends and frontiers in pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. Our analysis reveals a shift from early studies on diagnosis and prognosis toward a growing focus on molecular mechanisms and immunotherapy. These findings offer valuable insights into emerging research directions and may serve as a reference for researchers seeking to identify key topics and potential collaborators.