Thymic epithelial tumours - research trends

Abstract

The global research trends and potential gaps in global research on thymic epithelial tumours (TETs) were scientometrically identified based on the data retrieved from Web of Science (WoS). The analysis indicates that the global research on TETs is presenting a positive growth trend. The transformative activity index (TAI) value depicts that three Asian countries, China, South Korea, and India, recorded the highest increase in TAI during the last decade, while the maximum decline in TAI was for Norway, Taiwan and Netherlands. The University of Texas has published most papers on TETs, and Heidelberg University had the highest collaboration. There is not enough research ongoing on some paraneoplastic disorders associated with TETs like cerebellar degeneration, erythrocytosis, pancytopenia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, interstitial pneumonitis, chronic mucosal candidiasis, T-cell deficiency syndromes, ulcerative colitis, and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Most of the TET treatment studies were on surgery and chemotherapy. Research on other treatment modalities like immunotherapy and targeted therapy also needs improvement.