Hotspots and future trends of biomarker research in oral squamous cell carcinoma: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of oral and maxillofacial malignancy. To ensure its accurate diagnosis and treatment, biomarker research is essential. Here, we aimed to analyze trends and research hot spots in OSCC biomarker studies over the past 30 years. Relevant articles were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) covering the period from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 2024. Collaborative analyses were then conducted using VOSviewer and Scimago Graphica. CiteSpace software was used to perform dual-map overlay analyses, detect citation bursts, and generate timeline keyword clustering maps. A total of 6,764 English-language articles were retrieved and analyzed using bibliometric methods. The research was divided into three stages based on the rate of literature growth. China ranked first in total publications, while the United States (USA) led the field in collaboration and total citations. Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China produced the highest number of research publications, and Oral Oncol was the journal with the most articles. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed a multifaceted research landscape comprising five primary thematic clusters. In the past 5 years, keywords such as “tumor microenvironment,” “recurrent,” “liquid biopsy,” and “migration” have dominated the field, with “neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio” and “saliva” emerging as prominent research hot spots. Among specific molecules, P53, P16, and Cyclin D1 were the most extensively studied biomarkers. Additionally, molecules such as miR-21, miR-31, and COX-2 have attracted increasing attention in recent years. These findings may provide valuable insights for future research in this field.

Keywords

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) / Biomarker / Bibliometric analysis / Trend / Hotspots / Molecular expression

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Funding

Fundamental Research Fund of Science and Technology Foundation of Shenzhen City (Key program JCYJ20220818095811026 and JCYJ20210324094005015)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Shenzhen University School of Medicine; Fondazione Istituto FIRC di Oncologia Molecolare