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Radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors in small cell lung cancer: a Web of Science Core Collection-based bibliometric analysis

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Radiotherapy (RT) combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, the global research landscape, knowledge structure, and evolving trends in this field have not been systematically investigated. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on RT combined with ICIs for SCLC. Methods: The Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) was searched on 4 June 2026. Publications related to RT combined with ICIs for SCLC were identified according to predefined eligibility criteria. Bibliometric analyses were performed using VOSviewer (version 1.6.21) and CiteSpace (version 7.0.R0) to evaluate publication trends, collaborations among authors, institutions, and countries/regions, journal characteristics, bibliographic coupling, co-citation networks, keyword clustering, and emerging research hotspots. Results: had the highest citation count. Landmark clinical trials formed the core knowledge base of the field. Keyword analyses indicated that recent research has shifted toward limited-stage disease, durvalumab-based strategies, chemoradiotherapy, multicenter studies, and other treatment optimization approaches. Conclusions: Research on RT combined with ICIs for SCLC has expanded substantially since 2022 but has subsequently entered a relatively stable stage. Current research is driven by landmark clinical trials and increasingly focuses on optimizing multimodal treatment strategies. These findings provide a comprehensive overview of the field and may help to guide future research priorities and international collaboration.
DOI: 10.21037/tcr-2026-2335
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7221826336
FWCI:
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