Zhang Ke, Chen Si-Fan, Zhang Yun-Dan, Lv Fa-Jin
Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
J Thorac Dis. 2025 Jun 30;17(6):3498-3515. doi: 10.21037/jtd-24-1669. Epub 2025 Jun 11.
Due to extensive low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening, the detection rate of solid pulmonary nodules (PNs) is constantly rising. However, existing studies lack a comprehensive understanding of its emerging research trends and interdisciplinary progress, especially in terms of artificial intelligence (AI) integration and molecular characteristics. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to clarify the current research trends and predict future research hotspots in this field, in order to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce overtreatment, and promote innovation in precise chest oncology.
Relevant publications regarding solid PNs were acquired from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database [2000-2024]. Scientific landscape of solid PNs was illustrated by quantitatively assessing the scientific output and impact of various academic subjects (i.e., authors, institutions, journal, countries/regions) and qualitatively generating collaboration networks using CiteSpace and Bibliometrix. Lastly, burst detection, clustering analysis and thematic map analysis were implemented to depict shifts in the research frontier of solid PNs.
Since 2000, a total of 1,413 original articles on pulmonary solid nodules (SNs) have been published. The United States was the leading country in terms of publication volume and centrality in this field. Prof. Kurzrock Razelle from the Medical College of Wisconsin, USA, had the most publications and the highest scientific impact in the field. Clinical Cancer Research published the most manuscripts and had the highest impact in the field. Research institutions from the United States were predominant in the field and several institutions from China were found to have strong influence in the recent years. Current key research foci of solid PNs included tumor size, diagnosis, classification, malignancy, radiomics, segmentectomy, the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Moreover, molecular profile analysis, brain metastases (BMs), lymph node (LN) metastasis, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and immunotherapy are the emerging research topics.
The in-depth bibliometric analysis outlines the research landscape in the field of solid PNs, identifying current research trends and hot topics that can guide future research directions. AI-based prediction, diagnosis, and minimally invasive treatment are potential avenues for managing solid PNs.
由于广泛开展低剂量计算机断层扫描（CT）筛查，实性肺结节（PNs）的检出率不断上升。然而，现有研究对其新兴研究趋势和跨学科进展缺乏全面了解，尤其是在人工智能（AI）整合和分子特征方面。在本研究中，我们进行了全面的文献计量分析，以阐明该领域当前的研究趋势并预测未来的研究热点，从而提高诊断准确性、减少过度治疗并推动精准胸部肿瘤学的创新。
从科学网核心合集（WoSCC）数据库[2000 - 2024年]获取有关实性PNs的相关出版物。通过定量评估各学术主体（即作者、机构、期刊、国家/地区）的科研产出和影响力，并使用CiteSpace和Bibliometrix定性生成合作网络，来展示实性PNs的科学格局。最后，实施突发检测、聚类分析和主题地图分析，以描绘实性PNs研究前沿的变化。
自2000年以来，共发表了1413篇关于肺实性结节（SNs）的原创文章。美国在该领域的发表量和中心性方面处于领先地位。美国威斯康星医学院的库尔兹罗克·拉泽尔教授在该领域发表的文章最多，科学影响力也最高。《临床癌症研究》发表的手稿最多，在该领域的影响力也最大。美国的研究机构在该领域占主导地位，近年来发现中国的几个机构也有很强的影响力。实性PNs当前的关键研究重点包括肿瘤大小、诊断、分类、恶性程度、放射组学、肺段切除术、实体瘤疗效评价标准（RECIST）。此外，分子谱分析、脑转移（BMs）、淋巴结（LN）转移、固体脂质纳米粒（SLNs）和免疫治疗是新兴的研究主题。
深入的文献计量分析勾勒出了实性PNs领域的研究格局，确定了当前的研究趋势和热点话题，可为未来的研究方向提供指导。基于人工智能的预测、诊断和微创治疗是管理实性PNs的潜在途径。
