Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a crucial tumor subpopulation, involved in tumor initiation, metastasis and recurrence due to their unique abilities for self-renewal and differentiation. This bibliometric analysis aims to illustrate the current landscape of CSC research from 2001 to 2024, using data from the Web of Science Core Collection. We examined 20,839 publications, analyzing trends in annual publications, author contributions, institutional contributions and keyword co-occurrence. Our findings revealed a rising trend in research output, with the United States and China leading in publication volume. The top two institutions were Sun Yat-sen University and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, with Harvard University having the highest average citations. Furthermore, keyword analysis identified major thematic clusters including (1) Cluster 1 focused on the CSCs biomarkers and drug resistance. (2) Cluster 2 focused on the metabolism of CSCs, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, the cell cycle and angiogenesis. (3) Cluster 3 focused on CSCs in terms of self-renewal, differentiation, and quiescence. (4) Cluster 4 emphasized the crucial role of CSCs in tumor metastasis, invasion, migration as well as their regulation pathways. (5) Cluster 5 focused on CSCs in immunotherapy and tumor microenvironment. This study enhances understanding of research trends and guides future efforts in targeting CSCs for therapeutic interventions, especially in surgical diagnosis and treatment. By illuminating key contributions and emerging themes, it serves as a valuable resource for researchers aiming to advance the field.
Keywords: VOSviewer; bibliometrics; cancer stem cells; citespace; drug resistance.
Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.