2575 - A Bibliometric Analysis of the 100 Most Influential Papers in Radiation Oncology: Mapping a Decade of Scientific Progress

Purpose/Objective(s): Radiation oncology has experienced transformative advances in the past decade, yet no comprehensive analysis has mapped its intellectual evolution. This study analyzes the 100 most-cited radiation oncology papers from the past ten years to identify influential research patterns and guide future directions.

Materials/Methods: Using the Web of Science Core Collection, we identified and analyzed the top 100 most-cited radiation oncology papers from 2014-2024. Publications were evaluated using citation metrics, research themes, geographical distribution, and institutional contributions. Analytical tools, including spreadsheet software, R 4.3.3, VOSViewer, and MapChart, were used for data analysis and visualization.

Results: The analyzed papers accumulated 70,986 citations (median 556, range 389-3,256). Publications peaked in 2017 (23%). Leading journals were The Lancet Oncology (28%), Journal of Clinical Oncology (13%), and The Lancet (11%). Research originated from 17 countries, with the USA (30%), UK (15%), and China (13%) dominating output. The most productive institutions were the MD Anderson Cancer Center and Soochow University with 5 papers each (3,733 and 2,587 total citations, respectively) Clinical trials comprised 48% of publications, with immunotherapy-radiotherapy combinations showing highest citation density. Primary research themes included clinical trials, combination therapy, and novel treatment modalities.

Conclusion: This analysis reveals a shift toward immunotherapy integration and precision medicine approaches in radiation oncology. Clinical trials in GI, lung, and prostate cancers dominated high-impact research, with emerging emphasis on technology-driven approaches. These findings provide strategic direction for future research priorities and funding allocation.