Oncolytic Virotherapy for Glioma: A Bibliometric Roadmap for Multidisciplinary Clinical and Research Strategies

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most lethal primary brain tumor with a dismal prognosis despite standard therapies. Oncolytic viruses (OVs), which selectively destroy cancer cells and stimulate anti-tumor immunity, have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. This study aims to systematically map the global research landscape, knowledge structure, and evolutionary trends of OV therapy for gliomas.

Publications from 2009 to 2025 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC). Bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping were conducted using CiteSpace and RStudio to analyze collaboration networks, co-citation patterns, and keyword evolution.

A total of 559 publications were analyzed. The annual output has grown exponentially since 2020, with the USA and China being the most productive countries. A clear paradigm shift was identified, moving from early research focused on direct oncolysis by viral vectors like Herpes Simplex Virus to a current emphasis on immuno-virotherapy. Recent hotspots are dominated by keywords such as immunotherapy, combination, tumor microenvironment, and T-cells, indicating a research trajectory towards complex, synergistic treatment strategies. Harvard University and Brigham and Women's Hospital are the leading institutions in this field.

The research field of oncolytic virotherapy for gliomas is rapidly advancing, with a clear evolution towards sophisticated combination immunotherapies. This analysis provides a comprehensive roadmap of the field's knowledge base and identifies key future directions, including overcoming delivery barriers and developing personalized treatment protocols, to accelerate the clinical translation of this promising therapy.