Hotspots and frontiers of the relationship between hepatocellular carcinoma and cancer-associated fibroblasts: a bibliometric analysis and review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are pivotal stromal components in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), influencing tumor progression, metastasis, and immunotherapy resistance. However, a comprehensive bibliometric overview of CAFs in HCC is lacking.

Methods

A systematic search of the Web of Science Core Collection from January 1, 2004, to June 15, 2025 yielded 646 eligible publications. Bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer and CiteSpace mapped publication trends, international collaboration, institutional contributions, author networks, journal impact, and research hotspots.

Results

A total of 646 articles were analyzed, spanning 282 journals and 2684 keywords. From 2004 to June 15, 2025, there was a significant increase

SUBMITTER: Zheng H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12830541 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature