Global Trends and Research Hotspots in Social Isolation Among Cancer Patients: A Bibliometric Analysis (2005–2024)

Ge-Ling Lu,1,* Chun-Rao Zheng,1,* Yu-Fan Hu,2 Qun-Fang Li,1 Ting Huang,1 Yu-Chang Mai,1 Peng-Yan Zhang,1 Wei-Xiang Luo3 1Division of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Oncology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Nursing, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Wei-Xiang Luo, Department of Nursing, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, People’s Republic of China, Email [email protected]: The psychosocial impact of cancer, particularly social isolation, has gained increasing recognition in oncology research. This bibliometric analysis maps the global research landscape and evolving trends in social isolation among cancer patients over two decades.Methods: We retrieved original research articles and review papers on cancer research associated with social isolation from Web of Science database between 2005 and 2024. Utilizing bibliometric platforms such as CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and bibliometric websites, we analyzed the annual publication trends, leading journals, countries, institutions, and authors in this field. Additionally, by analyzing keyword visualizations and keyword bursts, we identified the emerging and popular research areas related to social isolation in cancer research.Results: We systematically analyzed 1219 publications from 2005 to 2024. Globally, the United States accounted for the highest proportion of research output (34.78%), ahead of England (16.57%) and China (7.71%). In terms of institutional contributions, the top three positions were held by the University of London (58 publications), the University of California System (54 publications) and French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, INSERM; 52 publications). Supportive Care in Cancer was the journal with the highest number of publications (52 papers). Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed six major research clusters: social deprivation, palliative care, social isolation, social support, physical activity, and cognitive function. The research focus is transitioning from “risk factors” (2005– 2014) to “psychosocial interventions” (2015– 2024), with emerging focus on disparities, social determinants of health, and symptom management.Conclusion: This study reveals accelerating global interest in cancer-related social isolation and highlights the need for multidisciplinary approaches that integrate biological and psychosocial perspectives in cancer survivorship care, particularly through targeted interventions for vulnerable populations.Keywords: cancer, social isolation, loneliness, hotspots, bibliometric