# Mapping the knowledge domains of literature on hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure: a bibliometric approach

## TL;DR

This study maps research trends in hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure using bibliometric analysis, highlighting key contributors, pathways, and future directions.

## Contribution

A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of HCC and liver failure literature from 2003-2023, identifying research hotspots and key pathways.

## Key findings

- Publications on HCC and liver failure have increased significantly, with leading contributions from the U.S., China, and Japan.
- Drug metabolism, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism pathways are closely associated with liver failure and HCC.
- Risk prediction models and novel therapies are current research hotspots in the field.

## Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 75-85% of primary liver cancers, with its incidence continually rising, posing a threat to socio-economic development. Currently, liver resection is the standard treatment for HCC. However, post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a severe and formidable postoperative complication that increases patients’ medical expenses and mortality risk. Additionally, liver failure can occur at any stage of HCC development, severely affecting patients’ quality of life and prognosis.

Using the Web of Science Core Collection, this bibliometric study analyzed English articles and reviews on HCC and liver failure from 2003 to 2023. Bibliometric tools like CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and R-studio were employed for data visualization and analysis, focusing on publication trends, citation metrics, explosive intensity, and collaborative networks. Use the Comparative Toxicogenomics and Genecards databases to screen for genes related to liver failure, and perform enrichment analyses using Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and PubMed on the identified differentially expressed genes.

The study identified a significant increase in publications on HCC and liver failure, with key contributions from journals such as the World Journal of Gastroenterology and the Journal of Hepatology. The United States, China, and Japan were the leading countries in research output. Prominent authors and institutions, including Kudo Masatoshi and Sun Yat-sen University, were identified. Enrichment analysis showed drug metabolism, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and other pathways are closely related to this field. Research hotspots included risk prediction models and novel therapies.

This bibliometric analysis highlights the growing research interest and advancements in HCC and liver failure. Future research should focus on improving risk prediction, developing new therapies, and enhancing international collaboration to address these critical health issues.