Mapping the evolution and impact of microfluidic technology research on cancer diagnosis: A comprehensive...

To explore the research trends of microfluidic technology for cancer diagnosis from 2015 to 2024 using bibliometric and visualization methods (not a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant systematic review), and provide references for subsequent scientific research.

Relevant literatures were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, and analyzed using tools such as Origin 2018, R software, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. The cooperation network, co - citation network, and keyword co - occurrence network was constructed.

A total of 897 literatures were included. The number of literatures first increased, then decreased, and then increased again, reaching a peak in 2023. China had the highest literature output (358 articles), but the international co - authorship rate was low (19%). Biosensors & Bioelectronics had high publication and citation numbers. The research hotspots were the isolation and detection of circulating tumor cells (with a focus on breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer, accounting for 36%) and microfluidic analysis of exosomes (accounting for 24%). Keyword clustering involved microfluidic device materials, tumor cell detection, exosome applications, and cancer mechanism research. The research direction shifted from broad-based technology to precise applications for specific cancers and samples.

This study clarified the research status and hotspots in this field. Microfluidic technology contributes to the early and accurate diagnosis of cancer. In the future, international cooperation should be strengthened to explore more potential of microfluidic technology in cancer diagnosis and improve the level of early diagnosis.