Microbiome and cancer immunotherapy: a bibliometric analysis

OBJECTIVE: To systematically analyze the global research landscape, collaboration patterns, knowledge flow pathways, and frontier trends in the synergistic effects between the microbiome and cancer immunotherapy. METHODS: A systematic bibliometric analysis of publications on the synergistic effects between the microbiome and cancer immunotherapy (2010-2026) was performed using the Web of Science Core Collection. After deduplication, 3,058 publications were analyzed with CiteSpace 6.3.1 (co-citation, keyword burst, timeline), VOSviewer 1.6.19 (co-authorship, co-occurrence networks), and bibliometrix R package 4.4.1 (dual-map overlay, knowledge flow). RESULTS: Annual publications grew at an average rate of 23.0%, reaching 715 in 2025. China and the United States contributed 60.1% of global output, with MD Anderson Cancer Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Paris-Saclay University serving as core collaboration hubs. Three major academic lineages (fundamental mechanisms, clinical translation, tumor-specific research) and three knowledge flow pathways (mathematical modeling → molecular genetics; clinical medicine → molecular biology; ecology → molecular biology) were identified, shaping distinct research paradigms. Hotspots evolved from "gut microbiota-ICIs" toward "oral microbiota," "engineered bacteria," and "precision prediction." CONCLUSION: The field has transitioned from mechanistic exploration to precision intervention, with multidisciplinary integration and clinical translation as future priorities. The identified knowledge flow pathways and academic lineages provide a framework for understanding the intellectual structure of this rapidly evolving domain.