A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends and Collaborative Networks in Gastric Cancer and Helicobacter Pylori Studies.

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a significant global health burden, with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection being a major etiological factor. Despite extensive research, a comprehensive overview of the temporal evolution of research output, collaborative networks among countries and institutions, and shifting research foci in this field is lacking.

METHODS

We conducted a bibliometric analysis utilizing the Citexs database and its analytics platform. Literature pertaining to GC and H. pylori published between January 2004 and December 2023 was retrieved and subjected to data mining and visualization to delineate research trends and hotspots.

RESULTS

Analysis of 12,789 publications revealed a generally upward trend in annual output. The United States was the most productive country, while The American Journal of Gastroenterology was the leading journal. Baylor College of Medicine was the most prolific institution, and Yoshio Yamaoka was the most productive author. Keyword and thematic analysis identified core research areas, including H. pylori, gastritis, the cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA), and GC itself. At the mechanistic level, current research focuses heavily on genes such as CXCL8, TNF, and NFKB1.

CONCLUSION

Future studies should prioritize deeper exploration of these core themes and pivotal signaling pathways to potentially facilitate advances in the prevention and treatment of H. pylori-associated GC.