Global research trends and hotspots in human immunodeficiency virus-associated cervical cancer (1990-2025): a multi-database bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND

Research on cervical cancer among WLWH represents a critical area for advancing long-term prevention and clinical management strategies. Yet as the volume of published literature in this field continues to grow rapidly, synthesizing and appraising the available evidence in a comprehensive manner has become increasingly challenging.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to map the global research landscape, identify leading contributors and collaborative networks, and delineate the knowledge base and emerging research priorities in HIV-associated cervical cancer through a bibliometric analysis of multiple databases. Particular attention is given to the molecular and immunological mechanisms underlying the synergistic oncogenic interaction between HIV and high-risk HPV, as well as current trends in translational clinical research.

METHODS

Publications on HIV and cervical cancer from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2025 (n = 6,137) were retrieved and analyzed using bibliometric and visualization tools, including R (bibliometrix), Python, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. Analyses encompassed publication trends, collaboration networks, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic evolution.

RESULTS

Research output has increased steadily, led by the United States, followed by China, South Africa, India, and the United Kingdom. The most productive journals include International Journal of Cancer and AIDS, which are also among the most frequently cited. The seminal reference is "Cancer-related Inflammation." Emerging research frontiers center on cervical cancer screening, WLWH, human papillomavirus vaccination, and deep learning.

CONCLUSIONS

Future directions will likely emphasize lifecycle vaccination strategies for WLWH, precision therapies guided by the immune microenvironment, and scalable screening approaches for low-resource settings. These findings provide evidence-based insights to inform global health policy and accelerate cervical cancer elimination efforts.