Analysis of Hotspots and Frontiers in Nursing Research for Cancer Clinical Trials Based on Web of Science: A Bibliometric Study

Lihui Li; Xiaoman Zeng; Mengfei Xie; Qianwen Liu

doi:10.6911/

Authors

Lihui Li Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
Xiaoman Zeng Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
Mengfei Xie Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
Qianwen Liu Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6911/

Keywords:

Oncology; Clinical trial; Nursing; Bibliometrics; Hotspots; Frontiers.

Abstract

Background: Oncology clinical trial nursing sits at the intersection of clinical trial protocols and patient care, and it has a direct impact on both trial quality and patient safety. However, the overall research trends in this field have not been clearly mapped. To address this gap, we used bibliometric methods to systematically examine the knowledge structure and development of oncology clinical trial nursing. Methods: We searched the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) for publications on oncology clinical trial nursing from January 1, 1999, to September 30, 2025. We then analyzed the retrieved records using Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and RStudio, focusing on publication volume, countries, institutions, authors, journals, and keywords. Results: A total of 1,510 papers were included in the final analysis. Annual publication output showed a fluctuating but overall upward trend. Among countries, the United States was the most productive, contributing 688 papers, and also had the strongest collaboration network (total link strength [TLS] = 145). At the institutional level, Harvard University led in publication volume (240 papers) and maintained the closest inter-institutional collaborations (TLS=93). Among authors, Miaskowski C ranked first with 20 publications, while Mitchell SA had the broadest research collaboration network (TLS=46). Journal analysis indicated that Oncology Nursing Forum (90 papers; IF=1.4) published the most articles in the field of oncology clinical trial nursing. Research hotspots primarily focused on four themes: clinical treatment, doctor-patient communication, supportive care, and symptom management. Recent emerging keywords included survivors, pain, interventions, nursing care, anxiety, feasibility, and education. Conclusion: Research output in oncology clinical trial nursing is likely to continue rising, but stronger collaboration across countries, institutions, and authors is still needed. Future work is expected to center on symptom management, palliative care, and psychosocial support.

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