If you or someone you love is facing a glioma, a type of brain tumor, you might hear about proton therapy. It's a precise form of radiation, and researchers are actively studying it. A new analysis looked at the 100 most-cited scientific articles on the topic to see where the field is heading. It found the United States has published the most, with Massachusetts General Hospital contributing the most papers. The work also identified key authors and spotted emerging topics scientists are focusing on, like using advanced computer simulations and studying long-term effects on thinking skills in childhood cancer survivors. It's important to understand what this analysis is and isn't. It's a map of the scientific conversation—a look at what researchers are writing and talking about most. It doesn't study patients directly, so it can't tell us if proton therapy is safer or more effective than other treatments for glioma. It simply shows us the landscape of the research itself.
Bibliometric analysis identifies 100 most-cited articles on proton therapy for gliomaWhere is the research on proton therapy for brain tumors heading?
AI-generated summary of the cited source, checked by automated accuracy review. How we work
Key Takeaway
Interpret bibliometric findings as research trends, not clinical evidence for proton therapy in glioma.
This bibliometric analysis identified the 100 most-cited articles on proton therapy for glioma published between 1997 and 2025 from the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus databases. The study aimed to identify influential articles and research directions rather than assess clinical outcomes. The analysis did not involve patient populations, interventions, or comparators typical of clinical research.
The United States produced the most publications in this field. Massachusetts General Hospital was the most prolific institution with 29 papers. The top three authors were Tarbell NJ, Macdonald SM, and Yock TI, with 15, 15, and 13 papers respectively. The analysis identified several emerging research directions including Monte-carlo simulations, childhood-cancer survivor studies, cognitive function, subventricular zone research, and radiation necrosis.
No safety, tolerability, or adverse event data were reported as this was not a clinical study. Key limitations were not reported in the source material. The study was funded by sources not reported, and conflicts of interest were not disclosed. This analysis provides a map of influential research and emerging topics but offers no evidence to guide clinical practice regarding proton therapy efficacy, safety, or patient selection for glioma treatment.
What this means for you:
This maps research trends on proton therapy for brain tumors, not its effectiveness for patients. More on Glioma
MRI Radiomics Predicts TERTp Mutation in Glioma with Moderate Accuracy
MRI Radiomics Help Predict TERTp Mutation in Glioma Patients
Meta-analysis of 14 studies shows MRI radiomics predicts TERTp mutation in glioma with AUC 0.79; combined models improve accuracy to 0.82.
New analysis shows MRI-based radiomics can help predict specific genetic mutations in glioma, potentially aiding early diagnosis and treatme…
NODI parameters ODI and V-ISO differentiate gliomas from brain metastases in contrast-enhancing regions
Brain scan technique helps tell gliomas from metastases
This meta-analysis evaluates the use of Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) to distinguish gliomas from brain metasta…
A new imaging method may help doctors distinguish between gliomas and brain metastases without invasive biopsy.
Deep learning models for glioma segmentation achieve high whole tumor accuracy with DSC 0.860
New AI tools show high accuracy for mapping brain tumors before surgery
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 36 deep learning models for preoperative glioma segmentation found high whole tumor segmentation…
AI models mapped brain tumors with high accuracy, but performance varied. Training on specific datasets helped, yet no single factor fully e…
Systematic review of preclinical CBD effects in canine cancers
Lab tests suggest CBD may help treat cancer in dogs
This is a systematic review of preclinical studies on cannabidiol for canine cancers. It synthesizes evidence of antiproliferative and proap…
Lab tests suggest CBD may help treat cancer in dogs by slowing growth and triggering cell death, though human use remains unproven.
View Original Abstract ↓
PurposeThis study aims to delineate the scientific advancements in proton therapy for glioma by analyzing the most frequently cited articles over the past 30 years.MethodsWeb of Science Core Collection and Scopus were independently queried for articles on proton therapy for glioma published between 1997 and 2025. Only items present in both databases were retained for downstream bibliometric analyses. The 100 most-cited articles from this intersection set were extracted for in-depth mapping of countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals, references and keywords. Data processing and visualisation were carried out with CiteSpace, VOSviewer, R-bibliometrix and the online bibliometric platform.ResultsThe United States showcased its strong global leadership in this field, leading in publication output and maintaining extensive collaborative networks with multiple countries. Massachusetts General Hospital emerged as the most prolific institution with 29 papers. Tarbell NJ, Macdonald SM, and Yock TI ranked as the top three authors with 15, 15, and 13 papers, respectively. The analysis also revealed emerging research directions such as “Monte-carlo simulations,” “childhood-cancer survivor,” “cognitive function,” “subventricular zone,” and “radiation necrosis,” which warrant increased attention.ConclusionThis bibliometric analysis represents the first systematic identification of the most influential 100 articles on glioma proton therapy. There is a pressing need to further enhance the clinical efficacy of glioma proton therapy while improving safety and reducing treatment costs, to ultimately bring more benefits to patients.
Intravenous tenecteplase improves functional outcomes but increases hemorrhage risk in non-large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke
Tenecteplase improves stroke recovery but increases bleeding risk in late treatment window
Related in Neurology
Aging impacts multiple sclerosis pathobiology by shifting inflammation toward chronic, compartmentalized neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration
New research explores how aging changes multiple sclerosis treatment
This narrative review examines the impact of aging on the immunological and neuroinflammatory microenvironment in older patients with multip…
As people age, multiple sclerosis can change from sudden flare-ups to a slow, steady progression of nerve damage.
Tirofiban Adjunct Therapy Improves Outcomes in Patients with Inadequate Tenecteplase Response
Trial shows tirofiban improves outcomes for some stroke patients
Intravenous tirofiban significantly improves 90-day functional outcomes for acute ischemic stroke patients failing initial tenecteplase ther…
A new clinical trial suggests that adding tirofiban can improve recovery rates for certain types of stroke patients who do not respond well …
Immunometabolic dysregulation drives hyperalgesia and hypoesthesia in diabetic peripheral neuropathy
New research explores how inflammation drives nerve damage in diabetes
This narrative review explores the pathophysiology of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, focusing on how hyperglycemia, lipotoxicity, and intes…
Chronic high blood sugar causes more than just high glucose; it triggers a cycle of inflammation and immune stress that damages nerves.
Artificial intelligence shows potential for diagnosis, behavior analysis, and educational support in autism spectrum disorder
Artificial Intelligence Shows Potential to Support Autism Diagnosis and Education
This systematic review of 18 empirical studies evaluates artificial intelligence applications including machine learning, computer vision, a…
New research highlights how artificial intelligence can help identify autism early, analyze social behaviors, and provide personalized educa…
From Other Specialties
Individualized six-phase antithrombotic strategy leads to left ventricular thrombus resolution and neurological recovery
New strategy helps manage heart blood clots after heart attack
This case report describes an individualized six-phase antithrombotic strategy for a 27-year-old male with myocardial infarction, stroke, hy…
A tailored six-phase treatment plan helped a young man recover fully from a stroke and heart attack while successfully clearing dangerous bl…
Heterogeneous definitions and clinical inconsistencies currently hinder the accurate identification of treatment-resistant depression
New ways to define treatment resistant depression are emerging
This narrative review examines the phenotypic definition of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and its associated biological correlates. T…
Doctors struggle to treat some types of depression because the current definition is inconsistent. New research looks at how biology and beh…
HIFU combined with ethanol ablation or GnRH-a improves intraoperative outcomes for adenomyosis treatment
HIFU Combined With Medication Shows Better Results for Adenomyosis
This network meta-analysis of 1,685 patients evaluated HIFU combined with various medications compared to HIFU alone for adenomyosis. The an…
Combining high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) with specific medications may improve treatment outcomes for people with adenomyosis.
Risk-optimized use of Janus kinase inhibitors in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis depends on comorbidities
New evidence helps doctors choose safer arthritis treatments for seniors
This narrative review examines the safety and risk profile of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) for rheumatoid arthritis specifically within th…
Doctors are moving toward personalized plans for rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on a patient's specific health risks rather than just their …