Bibliometric analysis of programmed cell death and immunotherapy research in glioma

Glioblastoma is the most lethal primary central nervous system malignancy, with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. This PubMed-based bibliometric study systematically analyzed publication trends, collaboration patterns, journal and author distributions, and thematic evolution at the intersection of programmed cell death (PCD) and glioma immunotherapy over the period 2006-2026. A total of 799 eligible records, including 644 original research articles and 155 narrative reviews, were included. Annual publications increased steadily, peaking at 131 in 2025. China and the United States dominated global output, while international collaboration varied across countries and regions. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified core themes: apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, tumor microenvironment (TME), immunotherapy-related strategies, and prognosis, reflecting a gradual shift from basic PCD mechanisms toward TME-targeted immunotherapy and prognostic stratification. This field is widely distributed across immunology, oncology, molecular biology, nanoscience, and multidisciplinary journals. Author and institutional analyses revealed key contributors within the dataset. In summary, this bibliometric landscape provides a structured overview of research hotspots, collaboration networks, and emerging directions in glioma PCD and immunotherapy. The findings offer descriptive insights for identifying research priorities, knowledge gaps, and collaborative opportunities, while they should be interpreted as observational patterns rather than direct evidence of clinical efficacy or translational priority.