Global trends in gastric cancer and nutrition, 2000–2023: A bibliometric and visualization analysis

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Malnutrition is highly prevalent in GC patients and is linked to poor prognosis and increased disease burden. While nutritional support is known to improve outcomes and reduce complications, a comprehensive analysis of the research landscape is lacking. This study provides a bibliometric assessment of scientific literature regarding GC and nutrition. METHODS: Publications from the 21st century to the present were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric and visualization analyses were conducted using VOSviewer, Pajek, and the R package "bibliometrix." RESULTS: A total of 1760 articles were analyzed. Publication volume grew steadily after 2016, peaking in 2022. The United States, China, and Japan emerged as the leading research hubs. Key contributing institutions include Wenzhou Medical University, Sun Yat-sen University, and Ohio State University. Annals of Surgical Oncology is the most prolific and cited journal. Research primarily centers on the prognostic impact of nutrition and strategies to enhance patients' nutritional and immunological status. CONCLUSION: This study is the first bibliometric analysis of the global research landscape concerning GC and nutrition. By identifying current hotspots and emerging trends, it provides a valuable reference for researchers aiming to optimize nutritional interventions and improve patient outcomes.