Visualizing research on the prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer: a bibliometric analysis

Background Over the last two decades, the prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has attracted increasing research attention, highlighting its vital role in improving patient outcomes. However, despite the multitude of studies, comprehensive bibliometric analyses concentrating specifically on PTC prognosis are still scarce. Methods Our study involved a bibliometric analysis of 3,430 articles related to PTC prognosis, derived from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database. We utilized VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package “bibliometrix” to examine publication trends, identify key contributing countries and institutions, map collaborative networks, recognize prominent journals, and scrutinize both high-frequency keywords and highly cited references. Results From 2004 to 2024, the number of research articles on the prognosis of PTC steadily increased, with a total of 3,430 articles included in our analysis. The year 2022 marked the peak in the number of publications, with 325 articles being published. China and the United States are at the forefront in terms of publication volume and citations, albeit with a slightly lower citation rate for China. Notable contributions also emerge from South Korea, Italy, and Japan. Collaboration is predominantly observed among the leading nations, with developing countries engaging less frequently. Prominent institutions such as Kuma Hospital in Japan and Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China stand out in terms of publication output. The journals “Thyroid,” “Frontiers in Endocrinology,” and “World Journal of Surgery” lead the field, with “Thyroid” boasting the highest co-citation rate. The keyword analysis revealed six primary research clusters, focusing on cell and molecular biology, oncology-related terminology, risk factors, disease progression, and clinical treatment approaches. The highly cited articles underscore the significant impact of BRAF V600E mutations on PTC prognosis. Conclusion This study offers an in-depth overview of prevailing research hotspots and trends, providing pivotal insights to direct future research endeavors and enhance prognostic care for PTC patients.