A Bibliometric Analysis of Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma Research: Trends, Hot Topics, and Future Directions (1999–2026)

OBJECTIVE: Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is a highly heterogeneous subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma with an aggressive clinical course. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current status, research hotspots, and future trends in ENKTL through bibliometric and knowledge-mapping analyses. METHODS: A total of 968 publications indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded from January 1999 to May 2026 were included. Bibliometric analyses were conducted using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and bibliometrix to assess publication trends and research patterns involving countries, institutions, authors, journals, cited references, and keywords. RESULTS: Annual output in this field showed a steadily increasing trend. China (538 publications), South Korea (144 publications), and Japan (144 publications) were the leading contributors. Sun Yat-sen University was the most productive institution, with 135 publications, while the majority of core authors were based in China and South Korea. Annals of Hematology (59 publications) and Leukemia and Lymphoma (58 publications) were the core journals, and the 2006 study by Lee et al (287 citations) remained the most cited reference. Keywords cluster analysis identified 4 major research domains: (1) molecular mechanism, (2) diagnosis and prognosis, (3) therapies, and (4) complication management. CONCLUSION: This study delineates the developmental status and evolutionary trends of ENKTL research over the past decades. Future research trends in ENKTL will shift toward precision medicine to achieve truly individualized treatment.