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A Decade of Interventional Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy): Progress, Challenges, and Future Prospects - A Bibliometric
Federico Mastroleo1,2,3, Ekaterina Milovanova2,3, Stefano Durante2
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Interventional radiotherapy (IRT) research has grown significantly since 2019, focusing on uterine, cervical, and prostate cancers. Emerging AI and personalized dosimetry trends show a shift toward precision oncology.
Area of Science:
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Physics
- Bibliometrics
Background:
- Interventional radiotherapy (IRT), also known as brachytherapy, is crucial in radiation oncology for maximizing treatment efficacy and minimizing side effects.
- Understanding the research evolution of IRT over the past decade is essential for its continued advancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a bibliometric analysis of Interventional Radiotherapy (IRT) research published between 2014 and 2024.
- To examine the trends, collaborations, and emerging themes in the field of IRT over the last decade.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search string of IRT-related keywords was developed.
- Data were extracted from the Scopus database for English-language publications from January 2014 to December 2024.
- Bibliometric analysis was performed using the Bibliometrix package.
Main Results:
- A total of 15,755 documents from 2,150 sources were analyzed, showing a 1.03% average annual growth rate.
- Publication trends surged post-2019, peaking in 2021, with sustained higher levels.
- Key research areas included uterine cervical cancer and prostate brachytherapy, with emerging topics like AI and personalized dosimetry.
Conclusions:
- The research landscape of IRT is dynamic, with increasing integration into modern oncologic practice.
- Strong collaborative networks exist between North American and European institutions.
- Continued interdisciplinary efforts and clinical trials are needed to advance IRT as a minimally invasive treatment modality.
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