The Evolving Research Landscape of Radiation Enteritis Prevention and Management: A Data-Driven Analysis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Radiotherapy Research

Background:

• Radiation enteritis (RE) is a frequent complication of radiotherapy, negatively impacting patient outcomes and quality of life.
• Understanding the evolving research landscape is crucial for advancing prevention and management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the research trajectory of radiation enteritis prevention and management.
• To identify key research hotspots, emerging frontiers, and future trends using a data-driven approach.

Main Methods:

• A bibliometric analysis of 594 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (2005-2024).
• Visualization tools were used to map collaboration networks, research hotspots, and trends.
• A supplementary search in PubMed identified 51 related clinical trials.

Main Results:

• Key research areas include prostate, rectal, and cervical cancers.
• Hotspots involve RE's pathological mechanisms and interventions like conformal radiotherapy, argon plasma coagulation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and microbiota transplantation.
• Recent keywords highlight efficacy, chemoradiation, stem cells, and transplantation.

Conclusions:

• The field has evolved from focusing on pathology to etiological therapies, with current frontiers in stem cell and fecal microbiota transplantation.
• Future research should address translational challenges of emerging therapies and foster multidisciplinary collaboration.
• The study guides future clinical research towards predictive, preventive, and personalized RE management.