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Introduction <p>Recurrence after thermal ablation is a major determinant of long-term survival in early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite extensive research on the recurrence patterns and risk factors, the global research landscape and evolving trends remain unclear. This study aimed to map the global research landscape and intellectual structure of HCC recurrence after radiofrequency or microwave ablation.</p> Methods <p>A systematic literature search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection for publications between 2005 and 2025. Bibliometric performance analysis and science mapping were performed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. Analyses included publication trends; national, institutional, and author productivity; co-authorship networks; journal co-citation; keyword clustering; burst detection; and timeline visualization of thematic evolution.</p> Results <p>Of 3673 records, 969 met eligibility criteria. Annual publications grew exponentially, with China contributing nearly half (49.5%, <i>n</i> = 480) and forming a dominant collaborative cluster with Japan and South Korea. Science mapping revealed four thematic pillars: (1) prognosis and integrated management; (2) ablation versus surgical resection; (3) technique and safety; and (4) precision image-guided therapy. The focus of the field has shifted from early technical validation to precision oncology and optimized therapeutic strategies. Burst detection highlighted microwave ablation (2021–2025) and comparative studies with liver resection (2022–2025) as emerging research frontiers.</p> Discussion <p>This study systematically mapped HCC ablation recurrence research, quantified the pivotal role of East Asia, delineated the core intellectual architecture of the field, and charted its evolution toward precision and personalized therapy. The findings provide a strategic framework to guide future investigations, foster collaboration, and improve patient outcomes.</p>

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A bibliometric analysis of research trends and hotspots on recurrence after thermal ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma 2005–2025

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月28日

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  • Yuan-yuan Zhang,
  • Wen-jie Ma,
  • Xiang-yu Liu,
  • Yun-fei Chi

摘要

Introduction

Recurrence after thermal ablation is a major determinant of long-term survival in early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite extensive research on the recurrence patterns and risk factors, the global research landscape and evolving trends remain unclear. This study aimed to map the global research landscape and intellectual structure of HCC recurrence after radiofrequency or microwave ablation.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection for publications between 2005 and 2025. Bibliometric performance analysis and science mapping were performed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. Analyses included publication trends; national, institutional, and author productivity; co-authorship networks; journal co-citation; keyword clustering; burst detection; and timeline visualization of thematic evolution.

Results

Of 3673 records, 969 met eligibility criteria. Annual publications grew exponentially, with China contributing nearly half (49.5%, n = 480) and forming a dominant collaborative cluster with Japan and South Korea. Science mapping revealed four thematic pillars: (1) prognosis and integrated management; (2) ablation versus surgical resection; (3) technique and safety; and (4) precision image-guided therapy. The focus of the field has shifted from early technical validation to precision oncology and optimized therapeutic strategies. Burst detection highlighted microwave ablation (2021–2025) and comparative studies with liver resection (2022–2025) as emerging research frontiers.

Discussion

This study systematically mapped HCC ablation recurrence research, quantified the pivotal role of East Asia, delineated the core intellectual architecture of the field, and charted its evolution toward precision and personalized therapy. The findings provide a strategic framework to guide future investigations, foster collaboration, and improve patient outcomes.