Bibliometric analysis of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy for oligometastases

Oligometastases, an intermediate stage of metastatic cancer, are increasingly managed with Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR), a highly precise local therapy representing a pivotal paradigm shift for improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to comprehensively map the research landscape of SABR for oligometastases.

We conducted a cross-sectional bibliometric analysis of 1,066 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2025. Publication trends, key contributors, and collaboration networks were quantified and visualized using bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace.

Our results indicate significant and consistent growth in this field since 2006, with the United States, Italy, and Canada as leading countries, and Humanitas University among the most productive institutions, alongside key authors like Marta Scorsetti. Influential research appeared in leading oncology journals, and keyword analysis identified hotspots in cancer types, metastatic sites, treatment strategies, and the integration of immunotherapy and AI. Landmark clinical trials (e.g., SABR-COMET, ORIOLE) were highly cited.

This comprehensive overview underscores the rapid development, international collaboration, and critical research directions within the field, highlighting SABR's translational potential and providing a foundation for identifying future research priorities.