Mechanistic trends and therapeutic targets in Radiation-Induced apoptosis: A bibliometric and translational mapping

Apoptosis is a central mechanism by which ionizing radiation exerts both therapeutic and toxic biological effects. Despite its pivotal role in radiobiology, the evolving landscape of apoptosis-related radiation research has yet to be systematically mapped from a translational perspective.We conducted a bibliometric and thematic analysis of 4,372 English-language publications (2015–2025) retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection using the search terms “radiation damage” and “apoptosis.” Co-authorship, keyword, and co-citation networks were visualized using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. Temporal bursts and clustering analysis were performed to identify mechanistic advances and emergent trends relevant to medicinal chemistry. Publications were additionally stratified by radiation modality (IR, UV and EMF).Annual publication volume increased by 15% from 2015 to 2025, with China emerging as the most prolific contributor. However, high-impact citations remained centered in North America and Europe. IR-related studies dominated overall output, while UV- and EMF-associated apoptosis research formed smaller but persistent niches. Research focus has shifted from oxidative stress and canonical DNA damage response pathways (ATM/ATR/PARP) to microenvironment mediated radiosensitivity and nano-enabled drug delivery. Citation-burst analysis highlights ongoing interest in tumor microenvironment modulation, extracellular vesicles, and nanoparticle radiosensitizers. Mechanistic hotspots include STING-mediated DNA sensing, ferroptosis driven mitochondrial destabilization, and DRP1/OPA1-regulated apoptotic commitment. Apoptosis-related radiation research is undergoing a mechanistic and translational shift, with growing relevance for drug discovery, radiosensitization, and biomarker-guided therapy. Cross-disciplinary collaboration and data integration are now critical to accelerating therapeutic innovation in precision radiotherapy.