A bibliometric analysis of sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma of the top 90 cited publications

This bibliometric analysis aims to describe research trends and assess the methodological quality of the highest-impact SLNB research in melanoma. We identified the 90 most cited publications on SLNB in melanoma using Web of Science, covering all available journal years (from 2005 to date). The Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) Levels of Evidence (LOE) were used to assess the methodological quality of each study. The 90 most cited publications on SLNB in melanoma collectively garnered 10,314 citations. Citation counts per publication ranged from 44 to 1,405 (mean 114.6 ± 185.2), with the highest-cited study authored by Professor Donald Morton et al. The majority of publications was classified as LOE 3 (n = 36). The United States of America (USA) led in publication output with 43 articles. Professors Merrick Ross (USA) and John Thompson (Australia) were the leading authors by publication count. The University of Sydney (Australia), University of Texas System, and Anderson Cancer Center (USA) were the top contributing institutions. <i>Annals of Surgical Oncology</i> published most articles. This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview and valuable reference for future researchers in the field of SLNB in melanoma. This is the first bibliometric analysis focused specifically on sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in melanoma.The study identified the top 90 most-cited articles on SLNB in melanoma from 2005 to 2023.These 90 articles collectively accrued over 15,000 citations, highlighting their impact on the field.Most publications were retrospective cohort studies with an OCEBM Level of Evidence of 3.The majority of influential research originated from high-income countries, particularly the USA, the Netherlands, and Australia.Professors Merrick Ross and John Thompson were among the most prolific authors.The University of Sydney and MD Anderson Cancer Center were the leading institutional contributors.Annals of Surgical Oncology published the highest number of top-cited articles.Co-occurrence keyword analysis revealed research hotspots in staging, cutaneous melanoma, and lymphadenectomy.The study highlights research gaps in methodological quality and regional representation, providing a foundation for future global collaboration. This is the first bibliometric analysis focused specifically on sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in melanoma. The study identified the top 90 most-cited articles on SLNB in melanoma from 2005 to 2023. These 90 articles collectively accrued over 15,000 citations, highlighting their impact on the field. Most publications were retrospective cohort studies with an OCEBM Level of Evidence of 3. The majority of influential research originated from high-income countries, particularly the USA, the Netherlands, and Australia. Professors Merrick Ross and John Thompson were among the most prolific authors. The University of Sydney and MD Anderson Cancer Center were the leading institutional contributors. Annals of Surgical Oncology published the highest number of top-cited articles. Co-occurrence keyword analysis revealed research hotspots in staging, cutaneous melanoma, and lymphadenectomy. The study highlights research gaps in methodological quality and regional representation, providing a foundation for future global collaboration.