In a groundbreaking bibliometric study published in Women and Children Nursing, researchers from Sichuan University have meticulously charted the evolving global research landscape of ovarian cancer care over the past two decades. Led by Dr. Xiujing Guo and Dr. Anqi Xiong from the Department of Nursing at West China Second University Hospital, the team employed CiteSpace, a sophisticated bibliometric visualization tool, to systematically analyze 1,261 publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection between 2000 and 2023. This comprehensive analysis provides fresh insights into the dynamics of international collaborations, thematic evolution, and emerging priorities within ovarian cancer care research.
The study highlights how ovarian cancer care research has increasingly embraced patient-centered and multidisciplinary approaches, reflecting a shift towards holistic and integrative models of treatment and support. By applying complex clustering algorithms within CiteSpace, several thematic clusters were identified, including ‘quality of life,’ ‘surgery,’ ‘paclitaxel,’ ‘nurses’ health,’ and ‘prophylactic oophorectomy.’ These clusters represent focal points of scientific inquiry and clinical innovation, underscoring the diversity and complexity of care considerations surrounding ovarian cancer. The identification of such keyword clusters offers actionable intelligence for researchers and healthcare providers aiming to align future work with pressing clinical needs.
One of the most striking revelations from this bibliometric analysis is the steady but limited nature of international collaboration in ovarian cancer care research. Despite a general increase in publication volume, the network maps generated reveal that cross-border partnerships remain underdeveloped relative to the global burden of the disease. Dr. Anqi Xiong remarked, “Our findings suggest that while research output is growing predominantly in the United States and select institutions such as Harvard University, there is significant untapped potential for broader international cooperation.” This observation underscores the importance of fostering multinational research consortia to accelerate knowledge exchange and innovation.
The United States emerges as the dominant contributor in this arena, producing the highest volume of publications and exhibiting strong institutional leadership. Harvard University, in particular, has been identified as the most prolific institution, serving as a nexus of research activity and influence. The journal Gynecologic Oncology was recognized as the leading platform for disseminating ovarian cancer care research, according to citation and publication counts. These findings point to the concentration of expertise and resources within specific geographic and academic hubs, highlighting potential disparities in research capacity worldwide.
Beyond geographic and institutional analysis, this study illuminates the ascending role of nursing within ovarian cancer care research. Nursing disciplines are increasingly recognized not only for their crucial role in symptom management but also for their contributions to psychosocial support and survivorship care models. Dr. Xiujing Guo emphasized, “Nursing research is solidifying its position as a cornerstone in delivering holistic care, attending to aspects often overlooked by traditional biomedical frameworks.” This shift acknowledges the multifaceted needs of ovarian cancer patients, encompassing physical, emotional, and social dimensions.
Technically, the deployment of CiteSpace enabled the research team to conduct co-citation, co-authorship, and keyword co-occurrence analyses, delineating the structural and temporal patterns within the literature. The visualization maps reflect the development of research fronts, converging themes, and influential publications that have shaped the field’s trajectory over the last two decades. This methodological rigor transforms abstract bibliometric data into a comprehensible knowledge map, guiding stakeholders towards strategically relevant areas for investment and inquiry.
A noteworthy trend identified involves the clinical emphasis on prophylactic oophorectomy and paclitaxel-based chemotherapy regimens, mirroring advances in both preventive strategies and pharmacological treatment paradigms. The clustering around these topics indicates sustained research interest, likely driven by their profound implications in patient outcomes and long-term survival. By analyzing keyword bursts and emergent themes, the study sheds light on the shifting priorities and innovations that have marked ovarian cancer care evolution.
Furthermore, the research underscores an urgent need for deeper exploration into psychological well-being and integrated care frameworks within ovarian cancer management. Despite burgeoning evidence supporting holistic care, psychological dimensions remain relatively underexplored. This gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity for future interdisciplinary research endeavors that aim to improve the quality of life for patients navigating complex treatment journeys.
The research team advocates for the expansion of collaborative networks, particularly emphasizing the exchange between nursing professionals and other clinical disciplines. They argue that embedded interdisciplinary collaboration fuels innovation, enhances symptom management strategies, and promotes survivorship research, ultimately translating into better patient-centered interventions. The bibliometric insights thus serve not merely as a reflective assessment but as a strategic blueprint to galvanize concerted action within the ovarian cancer research community.
From a policy perspective, this comprehensive bibliometric review equips clinicians, researchers, and policymakers with a vital resource to identify research gaps, prioritize funding directions, and foster international partnerships. The study’s strategic mapping of the ovarian cancer care research ecosystem is poised to accelerate translational impacts, ensuring that emerging insights rapidly inform clinical guidelines and care standards worldwide.
In summary, this landmark study accentuates the transformative potential of bibliometric analytics in unveiling the contours of scientific progress within a critical area of women’s health. Through meticulous visualization and thematic synthesis, Dr. Guo, Dr. Xiong, and their colleagues have charted a path forward that underscores the importance of multidisciplinary, collaborative, and holistic approaches to improving outcomes for ovarian cancer patients globally.
Subject of Research: Global bibliometric analysis of ovarian cancer care research from 2000 to 2023 using CiteSpace.
Article Title: A bibliometric analysis of ovarian cancer care from 2000 to 2023 via CiteSpace
News Publication Date: 6-Jun-2025
Web References: 10.1016/j.wcn.2025.05.003
Image Credits: Beijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.
Keywords: ovarian cancer care, bibliometric analysis, CiteSpace, international collaboration, nursing research, patient-centered care, multidisciplinary approaches, prophylactic oophorectomy, paclitaxel, quality of life, psychosocial support, survivorship
