Global trends in CAR-T cell therapy for multiple myeloma: A bibliometric analysis, 2013-2025

Tiantian Zhang1, Shenyu Wang1, Xin Li1

  • 1Senior Department of Hematology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China.

Insights

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is revolutionizing relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma treatment. This bibliometric analysis reveals key research trends, leading contributors, and emerging directions in CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunotherapy
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM) treatment has been transformed by CAR-T cell therapy.
  • Comprehensive bibliometric analyses of this specific research domain are lacking.
  • This study addresses the need for a systematic overview of global research trends in CAR-T therapy for MM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a bibliometric analysis of publications on CAR-T cell therapy for multiple myeloma from 2013 to 2025.
  • To identify leading countries, institutions, journals, and authors in the field.
  • To map research hotspots, trends, and emerging directions in CAR-T therapy for MM.

Main Methods:

  • Bibliometric and visual analyses were performed using CiteSpace and VOSviewer.
  • Publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection using specific keywords for CAR-T and multiple myeloma.
  • A total of 1,661 English articles and reviews published between 2013 and 2025 were included.

Main Results:

  • A continuous upward trend in annual publications was observed.
  • The United States, Harvard University, Frontiers in Immunology, and Hermann Einsele were identified as leading contributors.
  • Key research areas include BCMA-CAR-T efficacy, safety, toxicity management, and combinations with bispecific antibodies.

Conclusions:

  • The field of CAR-T cell therapy for multiple myeloma is rapidly advancing.
  • Emerging research directions include GPRC5D-CAR-T and allogeneic CAR-T products.
  • This analysis provides valuable insights for researchers in the CAR-T therapy for MM field.

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