Delving into the pinnacle: an in-depth analysis of the top 100 most cited articles on cardio-oncology

The intersection of myocardial diseases and cancer therapy-induced cardiovascular toxicity has garnered significant attention in recent years. As the field of cardio-oncology bridges cardiology and oncology, research is expanding rapidly. This study analyzes the top 100 most cited papers (T100) in cardio-oncology, providing valuable insights into current trends and key research areas. Using Microsoft Excel 2009, we conducted a comprehensive temporal analysis of publications and citations. To visualize complex networks involving co-citations, countries, and author keywords, we utilized VOSviewer software. Additionally, Citespace was employed to identify clusters of keywords experiencing notable citation surges. The T100 selection includes 81 clinical research papers and 19 foundational studies. Key journals such as the European Heart Journal and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology stand out, collectively accumulating over 700 citations (9 papers from European Heart Journal and 7 from Journal of the American College of Cardiology). Notably, the United States leads the field with 41 publications and 2,868 citations, excluding self-citations. Prominent keywords emerging in this area include “cardiovascular diseases” (strength 2.48, 2019–2022), “management” (average publication year: September 2019, occurrence: 11 times), and “immune checkpoint inhibitors” (average publication year: 2020, occurrence: 5 times). While the T100 predominantly comprises clinical research, there is a discernible gap in foundational studies exploring the mechanisms of myocardial diseases induced by cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity. The USA continues to dominate this field. Research in cardio-oncology focuses on cardiovascular diseases, especially heart failure and atrial fibrillation, with an emphasis on comprehensive management strategies and the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors. This study offers valuable insights that could enhance our understanding and management of cardio-oncological complications.