A bibliometric analysis of exosome research in colorectal cancer from 2010 to 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Exosomes have emerged as key mediators in CRC pathogenesis and progression. However, a systematic overview of the research landscape is lacking. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to investigate global publication trends and research hotspots in exosome-based CRC research from 2010 to 2024.

Publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and Scopus databases. After screening, deduplication, and merging, eligible studies (English-language articles and reviews published between 2010 and 2024) were included. Bibliometric analyses were performed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. Clinical trials were additionally retrieved from PubMed to assess translational progress.

A total of 3,018 publications were included. Annual publication output showed a steady increase, with a marked acceleration after 2016 (linear trend R² = 0.8607). Research originated from 100 countries. China contributed the most publications (933, 49.5%), while the United States ranks among the top in average citations per article (79.8). The most prolific authors published at least 13 articles. High-frequency keywords included "exosome miRNA", "liquid biopsy", and "Fusobacterium nucleatum". Citation burst analysis identified "drug delivery" and "immunotherapy" as emerging frontiers. Only six clinical studies were identified, all at early phases, with no exosome-based therapeutic having entered late-phase development.

Exosome research in CRC has evolved steadily over the past 15 years, shifting from basic biology toward translational applications. Exosomes show promise as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and drug delivery vehicles, but clinical translation remains at an early stage.