Research trend on quantum dots for tumor diagnosis and therapy: a bibliometric analysis

As nanoscale luminous materials, quantum dots (QDs) have gained extensive application in tumor diagnosis and therapy. Their size-tunable optical properties, compact nanoscale dimensions, high surface area, and excellent biocompatibility render them particularly suitable for tumor diagnosis and therapy, encompassing bioimaging, biosensing, drug delivery, as well as photothermal and photodynamic therapy applications. To systematically catalog the scientific advancements in QDs in the tumor-related research field, we first conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of relevant studies published between 2002 and 2024. This bibliometric analysis revealed annual publication trends, highly productive journals, global collaboration networks among leading countries/regions and institutions, impact references, and the research hotspots and frontiers within the field. Co-occurrence cluster analysis of high-frequency keywords identified seven principal research domains: classification of QDs, properties of QDs, photochemotherapy, delivery, biosensing, bioimaging, and functionalization. Temporal visualization of high-frequency keyword networks further indicated that future research priorities will focus on green synthesis methodologies and clinical translation of next-generation QDs with enhanced biocompatibility and targeting capabilities. We hope to provide a systematic bibliometric perspective for cross-field researchers to promote the advancement of QDs in the tumor research field.