Page 177 - EJMO-9-1

Eurasian Journal of Medicine and
Oncology
Research on hypoxia and ECM in cancer

affecting patient prognosis by therapy resistance. Hypoxia database in the academic community, was chosen as the
1,2
contributes to metastasis and mortality, highlighting data source for analysis. We conducted a search using
22
the crucial role of hypoxia in tumor progression. The the Topic Search of “extracellular matrix and hypoxia
tumor microenvironment (TME), including pH, oxygen and cancer” to retrieve all literature from January 1,
levels, the extracellular matrix (ECM), connective tissue, 2007, to August 13, 2024. The article types were limited
and tumor vasculature, plays a critical role in cancer to “article” and “review,” and only literature in the English
progression. Composed of approximately 300 proteins, the language was included in the study. Through this search,
ECM not only regulates cellular processes and provides we obtained a total of 355 relevant articles. Two authors
structural support but also promotes tumor invasion and (X.J. and L.O.) conducted the primary file retrieval
metastasis. 3-10 The ECM is the non-cellular component independently to eliminate papers unrelated to the topic
of all tissues, an active tissue component that supports or lacking sufficient information. In case of uncertainty,
structure and regulates cell behavior, where fiber alignment Q.L. assessed the inclusion status. All searches were
enhances glycolysis and drives epithelial-mesenchymal completed by August 13, 2024, to mitigate biases resulting
transition (EMT) and metastasis in breast cancers with high from database updates. In the end, a total of 351 papers
collagen remodeling. 11-13 Hypoxia and the ECM are critical were included in the scope.
drivers of metastasis. During tumor progression, changes
in ECM composition and quantity alter its biophysical and 2.2. Inclusion and exclusion criteria
biochemical properties, profoundly affecting both tumor and We employed visualization software, including CiteSpace
stromal cell behaviors. An increasing number of underlying (version 6.1. R6), VOSviewer (version 1.6.18), and the R
14
mechanisms between hypoxia and ECM in cancer are being programming language based on the Bibliometrix 4.1.0
revealed, which provides valuable references for clinical package, for the construction of visual analysis in this
therapy. Despite this progress, research gaps remain due to study.
the rapid advancement of oncology research. It is necessary
to dive into the literature to identify hotspots and trends that CiteSpace, a Java-based application, offers a unique
could be addressed in future studies. method for visualizing emerging trends in scientific
literature by identifying research fronts, intellectual bases,
Bibliometric analysis employs statistical methods to and pivotal points. CiteSpace has been widely adopted
23
illustrate the relationships among published articles and in numerous scientometric studies, specifically designed
their associated data. 15-17 It helps researchers to understand to streamline the entire analytical process of visualizing
the developmental trends in a specific field over time. 18,19 and analyzing scientific literature comprehensively. The
24
The approach identifies potential research hotspots and tool not only generates visual networks and calculates the
trends in various study areas, offering a more intuitive, intermediary centrality of each node but also performs
20
comprehensive, and systematic understanding of the burst detection and annotates keywords, facilitating the
development in the field. While research attention in the 15-26
21
field of hypoxia and ECM in cancer continues to increase, identification of research frontiers.
detailed bibliometric studies are necessary. However, no VOSviewer is renowned for its ability to present
comprehensive bibliometric analysis has been performed to visualization results in a clearer and more esthetically
date. Therefore, this study is based on bibliometrics utilizing pleasing manner, facilitating a systematic understanding
27
CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the Bibliometrix package of the dynamics within scientific research. We conducted
28
(version 4.2.0) in R to conduct a comprehensive scientific visualization pertaining to countries, institutions, authors,
metric analysis and visualize the relevant literature in the and keywords on importing data gathered from the Web
field of hypoxia and ECM in cancer over the past 20 years. of Science. Furthermore, we employed density stacking to
The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the conduct an in-depth analysis of the hot topics in the field.
current status and trends, analyze cutting-edge dynamics, Bibliometrix is an R-package designed for quantitative
and identify future directions for the development of this research in bibliometrics. It enables the automated
29
field. The analysis will provide researchers with valuable
insights for a thorough understanding of the field and assist transformation and analysis of selected literature,
in determining potential collaborations. including metrics such as publication volume, citation
frequency (h-index), g-index, and m-index. The h-index
30
2. Methods is a metric used to assess the academic output and impact
of researchers, and it is positively correlated with scholarly
2.1. Data sources and search strategies influence. 31,32 G-index, serving as a derivative index of
The Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC), recognized the h-index, assists with mitigating biases arising from
as a widely utilized comprehensive and standardized differences in qualifications. 33

Volume 9 Issue 1 (2025) 169 doi: 10.36922/ejmo.7116