A bibliometric and visual analysis of colorectal cancer-diabetes comorbidity

Colorectal cancer (CRC), a leading cause of global cancer-related mortality, exhibits a complex bidirectional relationship with diabetes mellitus (DM). Epidemiological evidence indicates that DM significantly increases the risk of CRC, while CRC progression may exacerbate diabetic complications; however, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the literature on COLORECTAL CANCER-DIABETES comorbidity to identify research trends, collaborative networks, and emerging thematic foci.

We performed a comprehensive search in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database to retrieve relevant literature. Using analytical and visualization tools, including CiteSpace and VOSviewer, we examined publication trends, major contributing countries and institutions, collaboration networks, and keyword evolution to map the current research landscape in this field.

Annual publication output on COLORECTAL CANCER-DIABETES comorbidity increased markedly after 2005, reflecting growing recognition of the metabolic-cancer interplay and expanded research funding. The United States and China were the dominant contributors, with Harvard University and Birmingham Women's Hospital among the most productive institutions. Keyword analysis revealed emerging research clusters such as "diabetes-associated centrosome amplification," "metformin's therapeutic potential," and "anastomotic leakage."

Research on the interplay between colorectal cancer and diabetes is gaining increasing priority. Future efforts should focus on elucidating molecular mechanisms-such as oxidative stress and angiogenesis dysregulation-refining epidemiological models, and translating findings into clinical practice. Developing precision medicine strategies for CRC screening and treatment in diabetic populations, alongside the exploration of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets, will be essential to improve patient prognosis.