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ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE

Knowledge mapping of immunotherapy for colorectal cancer: A bibliometric analysis (2015–2025)

Chengdong Zhu1 ,  Chaochao Liu1,2*
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1 Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Jiangbei Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
2 Department of Gastroenterology, Ma’anshan Seventeenth Metallurgical Construction Hospital, Ma’anshan, Anhui, China
CP, 025460076 https://doi.org/10.36922/CP025460076
Received: 12 November 2025 | Revised: 8 December 2025 | Accepted: 5 February 2026 | Published online: 22 April 2026
© 2026 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )
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Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a global health challenge, but immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized its treatment landscape. This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of ICI research in CRC to bridge current knowledge gaps. A systematic search of the Web of Science Core Collection (January 1, 2015, to October 31, 2025) identified 1,125 qualifying publications. Analyses using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R-package “bibliometrix” evaluated collaborative networks, co-citations, and keyword trends. Results revealed exponential growth in annual output, with China (21.4%) and the United States (10.1%) emerging as dominant research hubs. Frontiers in Immunology was the most prolific journal, while the Journal of Clinical Oncology garnered the highest co-citations, reflecting its foundational impact. Author Sahin ranked first with an H-index of 8. Central themes included “Microsatellite Instability,” “Tumor Microenvironment,” and “PD-L1”. Citation burst analysis highlighted a shift from initial safety evaluations toward resistance mechanisms and neoadjuvant therapies in rectal cancer. The research landscape integrates specialized molecular oncology with high-impact clinical evidence. Current trends underscore a transition toward precision medicine, emphasizing overcoming resistance in microsatellite-stable tumors and optimizing organ-preservation strategies.

Keywords
Immune checkpoint inhibitor
Immunotherapy
Colorectal cancer
VOSviewers
CiteSpace
Funding
The present study was funded by the Technological Development Program of Ma’anshan (YL-2023-29).
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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