Bibliometric analysis of cancer-associated atrial fibrillation research from 1995 to 2025 shows a shift toward risk stratification, targeted therapy safety, cardiotoxicity, and data-driven approaches.
BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasingly common in patients with cancer and is associated with higher risks of stroke, bleeding, and mortality. The growing intersection between cancer and AF presents important challenges for anticoagulation management and cardiovascular risk assessment in cardio-oncology. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to systematically characterize the global research landscape, thematic structure, and developmental trajectory of cancer-AF research. METHODS: A bibliometric analysis of studies published between 1995 and 2025 was conducted using Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, and Scopus. Web of Science Core Collection served as the primary data source for analyses of publication trends, collaboration, thematic structure, journal co-citation, and citation pathways, whereas PubMed and Scopus were used for cross-database comparison. RESULTS: Annual publication output increased markedly across all 3 databases. Research activity was concentrated in a limited number of highly productive countries, institutions, and author groups, with collaboration networks centered on major hubs. Thematic analyses identified a clinically oriented core focused on AF, cancer, stroke, anticoagulation, bleeding, and therapy-related cardiovascular risk. Temporal analyses showed a shift from early treatment-related cardiac complications toward risk stratification, targeted therapy safety, cardiotoxicity, and data-driven approaches. Journal analyses indicated sustained interdisciplinary exchange among oncology, cardiovascular medicine, and basic biomedical science. CONCLUSION: Cancer-AF research has evolved into a structured interdisciplinary subfield within cardio-oncology. This field is characterized by increasing attention to anticoagulation management, therapy-associated arrhythmia risk, and precision-oriented care. These findings provide a reference framework for future research priorities and may support more integrated cardiovascular risk assessment and management in patients with cancer.
Lin et al. (2026) studied Cancer-associated atrial fibrillation. Bibliometric analysis of cancer-associated atrial fibrillation research from 1995 to 2025 shows a shift toward risk stratification, targeted therapy safety, cardiotoxicity, and data-driven approaches.