Immune regulation and the tumor microenvironment in anti-PD-1/PDL-1 and anti-CTLA-4 therapies - A bibliometric analysis

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Aurelia

Bibliometric analysis examines literature on tumor immune evasion related to anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies from 1999 to 2022, using visualization tools to characterize the tumor microenvironment, signaling pathways, immune cells, and immune-evasion mechanisms. Data were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and analyzed with VOSviewer, Citespace, and Scimago Graphica. Review of 4,778 publications shows rising research focus, led by bladder cancer. China, the USA, and Japan contribute most, with MD Anderson, Harvard Medical School, Fudan University, and Sun Yat-sen University prominent. Top journals include Frontiers in Immunology, Cancers, and Frontiers in Oncology.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Background of cancer therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitor mechanisms (PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4)

Scope and Methods

Bibliometric dataset and time range (1999–2022)

Visualization and analytic tools (VOSviewer, Citespace, Scimago Graphica)

Results Summary

Publication growth and immune evasion focus

Geographic and institutional contributions

Journal and keyword patterns; citation bursts

HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS 2024, VOL. 20, NO. 1, 2318815 [https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2024.2318815](https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2024.2318815) RESEARCH ARTICLE Immune regulation and the tumor microenvironment in anti-PD-1/PDL-1 and anti-CTLA-4 therapies for cancer immune evasion: A bibliometric analysis Yi Huanga,b,c*, Zhijian Chena,b,c*, Gang Shend*, Shuogui Fange, Junjiong Zhenga,b,c, Zepai Chif, Yuanfeng Zhangf, Yitong Zoua,b,c, Qinghua Gana,b,c, Chengxiao Liaoa,b,c, Yuhui Yaoa,b,c, Jianqiu Konga,b,c, and Xinxiang Fana,b,c aDepartment of Urology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China; bGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China; cGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China; dDepartment of Urology, DUSHU Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou, China; e Department of Radiotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China; fDepartment of urology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, China ABSTRACT This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis, employing visualization tools to examine literature pertaining to tumor immune evasion related to anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy from 1999 to 2022. A special emphasis is placed on the interplay between tumor microenvironment, signaling pathways, immune cells and immune evasion, with data sourced from the Web of Science core collection (WoSCC) . Advanced tools, including VOSviewer, Citespace, and Scimago Graphica, were utilized to analyze various parameters, such as co-authorship/co-citation patterns, regional contributions, journal preferences, keyword co-occurrences, and significant citation bursts. Out of 4778 publications reviewed, there was a marked increase in research focusing on immune evasion, with bladder cancer being notably prominent. Geographically, China, the USA, and Japan were the leading contributors. Prestigious institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Fudan University, and Sun Yat Sen University emerged as major players. Renowned journals in this domain included Frontiers in Immunology, Cancers, and Frontiers in Oncology. Ehen LP and Wang W were identified as prolific authorson this topic, while Topalian SL stood out as one of the most cited. Research current situation is notably pivoting toward challenges like immunotherapy resistance and the intricate signaling pathways driving drug resistance. This bibliometric study seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of past and current research trends, emphasizing the potential role of tumor microenvironment, signaling pathways and immune cells in the context of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and tumor immune evasion. ARTICLE HISTORY Received 17 November 2023 Revised 26 January 2024 Accepted 11 February 2024 KEYWORDS Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs); PD-1/PD-L1; CLTA-4; immune evasion; bibliometrics Introduction Cancer, a daunting global menace, is projected to witness an alarming escalation in cases, nearly surging by 50% from 2020 to 2040.1 Over the span of decades, relentless research endeavors have unraveled multifaceted mechanisms driving cancer and have sculpted diverse treatment avenues. To date, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are recognized worldwide for cancer treatment.2–4 Additionally, an increasing number of treatment methods, such as targeted therapy, photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy,5,6 are being developed and accepted. Yet, the landscape witnessed a transformative shift with the dawn of tumor immunotherapy, spotlighting ICIs as the beacon of hope.7 Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are one of the most significant immunotherapy. Although chemotherapy and radiotherapy are still the main tre

FAQs

What is the study’s main purpose?

The study performs a bibliometric analysis to map research on tumor immune evasion connected with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies, with emphasis on tumor microenvironment, signaling pathways, and immune cells.

What data sources and analytical tools are used?

Literature is collected from the Web of Science Core Collection, then analyzed with VOSviewer, Citespace, and Scimago Graphica to assess co-authorship/co-citation, regions, journals, keywords, and citation bursts.

Which cancers, regions, and institutions are most prominent?

Bladder cancer is notably prominent. The leading contributors are China, the USA, and Japan, and major institutions include MD Anderson Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Fudan University, and Sun Yat Sen University.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Aurelia