Global research trends and hotspots in cancer-related anemia from 2010 to 2025: a multidatabase bibliometric analysis

Background Cancer-related anemia (CRA) is the most common hematologic complication of malignant tumors and their treatments, affecting treatment delivery, quality of life and survival. A macro-level map of the field’s knowledge structure, evolution and frontiers is still lacking. Methods Publications on CRA published between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2025 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and PubMed using an explicit, reproducible query adapted to each database. Of 2,568 records (WoSCC, n = 1,110; PubMed, n = 1,458), 746 articles and reviews met the inclusion criteria after database-specific screening, deduplication and record-level verification;509 records were indexed in both databases, 55 were retrieved from WoSCC only and 182 from PubMed only. Citation counts came from OpenAlex. The analysis covers the English-language literature indexed in these two databases. Publication trends, leading countries/regions, institutions, authors and journals, citation indicators and keyword networks were analyzed to characterize temporal dynamics and emerging research fronts. Results Annual output was stable at about 45 publications per year between 2010 and 2024 (no trend; annual rate ratio 1.00, 95% CI 0.98–1.02) and reached 70 publications in 2025, a single-year increase that exceeds the value predicted from the 2010–2024 trend. The United States (n = 208, 27.9%), China (n = 105) and the United Kingdom (n = 77) were the most productive countries, while year-normalized citation impact was highest for Switzerland (1.72, 95% CI 1.15–2.37), Austria (1.69) and Italy (1.58). Amgen was the leading institution and Aapro M the most productive author. Supportive Care in Cancer (n = 44) was the most prolific journal and Annals of Oncology had the highest normalized citation score (3.99, 95% CI 2.07–6.00). Conclusion CRA research output was stable between 2010 and 2024 apart from a single-year increase in 2025. As reflected in keyword frequencies rather than in clinical practice, research attention moved from erythropoiesis-stimulating agent-centered topics toward iron metabolism, perioperative anemia and outcome-oriented research. Strengthening international collaboration and translating iron-regulatory and inflammatory mechanisms into clinical strategies are key directions for future research.