Anti-Cancer Drugs: Trends and Insights from PubMed Records

<b>Background:</b> In recent years, there has been an exponential growth in global anti-cancer drug research, prompting the necessity for comprehensive analyses of publication output and thematic shifts. <b>Methods</b>: This study utilized a comprehensive set of PubMed record...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ferdinando Spagnolo, Silvia Brugiapaglia, Martina Perin, Simona Intonti, Claudia Curcio
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Pharmaceutics
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/5/610
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Summary:<b>Background:</b> In recent years, there has been an exponential growth in global anti-cancer drug research, prompting the necessity for comprehensive analyses of publication output and thematic shifts. <b>Methods</b>: This study utilized a comprehensive set of PubMed records from 1962 to 2024 and examined growth patterns, content classification, and co-occurrence of key pharmacological and molecular terms. <b>Results</b>: Our results highlight an exponential rise in publications, with an annual compound growth rate of over 14%, influenced by advancements in digital knowledge sharing and novel therapeutic breakthroughs. A pronounced surge occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting a sustained shift in research dynamics. The content analyses revealed a strong emphasis on classical chemotherapeutic agents—often studied in combination with targeted therapies or immunotherapies—and a growing focus on immune checkpoint inhibitors and vaccine platforms. Furthermore, co-occurrence networks indicated robust links between chemotherapy and supportive care, as well as emerging synergies between immuno-oncology, precision medicine approaches. <b>Conclusions</b>: Our study suggests that while novel modalities are reshaping treatment paradigms, chemotherapy remains central, underscoring the value of integrative regimens. This trend toward personalized, combination-based strategies indicates a transformative era in oncology research, where multidimensional data assessment is instrumental in guiding future therapeutic innovations.
ISSN:1999-4923