Bibliometric Analysis and Knowledge Mapping of Acupuncture in Adjuvant Treatment of Lung Cancer

Objective This bibliometric analysis aimed to comprehensively investigate the research landscape and developmental trends of publications on acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment for lung cancer from 2006 to 2026. Methods Publications related to acupuncture and lung cancer were retrieved from the PubMed database, spanning the period from 2006 to 2026. Bibliometric mapping was constructed using the bibliometrix package in R. Through co-occurrence analysis, clustering algorithms, network analysis, and time series analysis, this study identified high-frequency keywords, research themes, collaboration patterns, and the evolution of research hotspots. Results A significant increase in publication volume was observed, with the annual output peaking in 2025, representing a more than fivefold increase compared with 2006. Original research articles account for 73.7% of the total publications, indicating that the empirical foundation is increasingly strengthened. China takes a leading position in terms of the number of publications and international cooperation networks and is a central hub for global academic cooperation. Research mainly focuses on five fields such as basic experiments, clinical efficacy evaluation, and comprehensive treatment strategies. Research hotspots are shifting from being technology-centered to precise staging and multimode integration. Conclusion The field of acupuncture in the treatment of lung cancer is developing steadily. In the future, more attention should be paid to the integration of basic research and clinical translation. It is recommended to strengthen international multicenter clinical trials and mechanism research to promote the standardized application of acupuncture in the comprehensive treatment of lung cancer.