Bibliometric analysis of global research trends and emerging themes in sigmoid colon cancer

Sigmoid colon cancer (SCC) constitutes a critical area of focus within the field of oncology, characterized by notable advancements in diagnostic methods, surgical techniques, and therapeutic strategies. The present study aims to perform a bibliometric analysis to elucidate global research trends and emerging themes in SCC research. A comprehensive literature search was executed utilizing the Web of Science Core Collection database, encompassing publications from 1983 to 2024. Bibliometric analyses were conducted employing VOSviewer 1.6.20, CiteSpace 6.3.R1, and R 4.3.3. A total of 410 articles were identified, resulting in an average annual growth rate of 7.95%. Japan and China emerged as the leading contributors to research output, while Harvard University and the National Cancer Center of Japan were identified as the most influential institutions. The journals Diseases of the Colon & Rectum and Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques represented the predominant publications, reflecting a focus on surgical and interventional approaches. Watanabe Toshiaki was recognized as the most prolific author. Emerging research themes included advancements in minimally invasive surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, alongside an increasing emphasis on tumor heterogeneity and molecular pathways. This bibliometric analysis elucidates global research trends and emerging themes in SCC. Future research should prioritize international collaboration and the integration of molecular insights into clinical practice to enhance outcomes for patients with SCC.