Global trends in CAR-T cell therapy for multiple myeloma: A bibliometric analysis, 2013–2025

CAR-T cell therapy has dramatically changed the treatment paradigm for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM). Nevertheless, there is a notable paucity of comprehensive bibliometric analyses within this specialized domain. On January 26, 2026, publications on CAR-T cell therapy for MM (2013–2025) were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection using: TS = (CAR-T OR “chimeric antigen receptor T*” OR “chimeric antigen receptor modified T” OR “chimeric antigen receptor engineered T” OR “chimeric antigen receptor transduced T” OR “chimeric antigen receptor redirected T”) AND TS = (“multiple myeloma*” OR “plasma cell myeloma*” OR “Kahler Disease”). English articles and reviews were included. Bibliometric and visual analyses used CiteSpace 6.2.R1 and VOSviewer 1.6.17. A total of 1,661 eligible documents (including 874 articles and 787 reviews) were included. The annual publication volume showed a continuous upward trend. The United States, Harvard University, Frontiers in Immunology, and Hermann Einsele were the leading contributors by country, institution, journal, and author, respectively. Research focuses on BCMA-CAR-T cell therapy efficacy and safety, comparisons with standard regimens, toxicity management, and combinatorial strategies with bispecific antibodies. Citation burst analysis highlighted emerging directions, including GPRC5D-CAR-T cell therapy and allogeneic “off-the-shelf” CAR-T cell products. The field of research concerning CAR-T cell therapy for multiple myeloma is experiencing rapid advancement. This study systematically summarizes the global research trends, research hotspots and emerging directions in this field, which provides valuable reference for researchers in this field.