Sonodynamic therapy and combination strategies for cancer: a bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a non-invasive anticancer strategy utilizing ultrasound-activated sonosensitizers for selective tumour ablation. Its deep tissue penetration and favorable safety profile make it promising for deep-seated tumours. Combining SDT with other modalities (e.g., phototherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy) has expanded its therapeutic potential, yet a systematic analysis of the research landscape is lacking. We conducted a bibliometric analysis of publications (2000–2024) from the Web of Science Core Collection on SDT and its combination therapies, encompassing 1810 articles/reviews. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were employed to visualize contributions from countries, institutions, authors, and journals, and to analyze keyword networks, citation patterns, and co-cited references. SDT-related publications increased steadily, accelerating notably after 2018. China led in output, followed by the United States; the Chinese Academy of Sciences was the most influential institution. Author analysis identified Chen Yu as highly productive, while Liu Zhuang achieved high average citations, suggesting a “less-but-better” path to high impact. Chemical Engineering Journal was a leading publication venue, and Advanced Materials the most co-cited source. Keyword co-occurrence and burst analyses revealed foundational themes like “nanoparticles,” “reactive oxygen species,” and “drug delivery.” Emerging hotspots focus on multimodal combinations, novel sonosensitizers, and tumour microenvironment remodeling. This study delineates the knowledge structure and emerging frontiers of SDT and its combination approaches. Strengthening cross-regional and interdisciplinary collaboration, and prioritising structured research centred on tumour microenvironment (TME) modulation and multimodal synergy, may accelerate high-quality development and clinical translation of SDT-based cancer therapies. Based on a bibliometric analysis of 1810 publications (2000–2024), this work charts the growth trajectory and evolving research landscape of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and its combination strategies. The updated schematic integrates publication trends with a strategy roadmap, placing SDT at the centre and mapping its principal multimodal strategies—phototherapy (PDT/PTT), chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and other emerging modalities. Across these combinations, ROS amplification and tumour microenvironment remodeling emerge as convergent themes that underpin improved anticancer efficacy and guide translational design. • Bibliometric mapping charts SDT and Combination Strategies for cancer (2000–2024). • Keyword bursts define the core triad: nanoparticles, ROS and drug delivery. • Emerging fronts: multimodal synergy, novel sonosensitizers and TME remodeling. • Review synthesizes advances, challenges, clinical translation and future directions for SDT combinations.