Ashkan Isari
1 
, Hadi Salehpour
1 , Hanieh Salehi-Pourmehr
2 , Behzad Lotfi
3* 1 Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2 Research Center for Evidence-based Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
3 Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
Background. Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma) is one of the most common malignant kidney cancers in childhood, accounting for approximately 6% of all pediatric cancers. Given the increasing volume of research in this field, a scientometric analysis has become essential to evaluate the scientific structure, research trends, and identify existing gaps in the literature.
Methods. This study employs a descriptive-analytical approach with a scientometric methodology. Data were extracted from the Scopus database using keywords related to Wilms tumor up to November 2024. Analytical tools included Bibliometrix software (R package) and VOSviewer. Key metrics examined were annual publication trends, authorship and country collaboration networks, citation metrics, top journals and institutions, and keyword co-occurrence analysis.
Results. A total of 14,049 scientific documents were identified from 1934 to 2025. The United States, China, and Japan contributed the highest scientific output. Pediatric Blood and Cancer and Journal of Pediatric Surgery were among the most cited journals in this field. Frequent keyword analysis revealed increasing trends in topics related to WT1 gene, biomarkers, targeted therapies, and genetic syndromes (e.g., Denys-Drash). Collaboration networks highlighted the central role of developed countries in knowledge production.
Conclusion. This study confirms the growing research interest in Wilms tumor. However, an uneven geographical distribution of scientific output and research gaps in patient-specific genetics, novel therapies, and multi-omics studies remain evident. These findings can assist health policymakers, research institutions, and researchers in planning future studies in pediatric cancers, particularly Wilms tumor.
Extended Abstract
Background
Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma) is the most common malignant kidney tumor in children and represents around 6% of all pediatric cancers. While its precise cause remains unclear, genetic alterations during early kidney development are implicated. With a growing body of literature in this domain, bibliometric analysis has become a valuable tool to assess research structures, scientific trends, and existing knowledge gaps related to Wilms tumor.
Methods
This descriptive-analytical study employed a scientometric approach to analyze global research trends in Wilms tumor. Data were retrieved from the Scopus database using the search strategy: TITLE-ABS (nephroblastoma*) OR TITLE-ABS (wilm* W/3 tumor), covering publications until November 2024. Extracted records were analyzed using R software with the Bibliometrix package and VOSviewer. Key bibliometric indicators included annual publication trends, authorship and country collaboration networks, citation metrics, top journals and institutions, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic mapping. Thematic analysis was performed using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) to identify dominant and emerging research themes. Network visualizations assessed the collaborative structure between authors, institutions, and countries. Co-occurrence analysis of keywords revealed conceptual clusters and the evolution of topics over time, divided into two main time periods: 1934–2005 and 2006–2025.
Results
A total of 14,049 documents related to Wilms tumor were identified between 1934 and 2024. The United States led in publication volume, followed by China and Japan. The most productive journals included Pediatric Blood and Cancer and the Journal of Pediatric Surgery. Frequent keywords involved “WT1”, “biomarkers”, “targeted therapies”, and genetic syndromes such as Denys-Drash. Bibliometric networks revealed highly collaborative scientific hubs primarily in developed countries. Research productivity significantly increased after 2010, with more than 300 papers published annually. Highly cited authors included Green DM and Beckwith JB. Thematic analysis identified four major clusters, with topics like “immunohistochemistry” and “renal cell carcinoma” categorized as motor themes, while emerging interests included “Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.” Despite increased research output, disparities in geographic contribution and a lack of multi-omics and precision medicine studies remain. Harvard Medical School, Osaka University, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital were the top contributing institutions.
Conclusion
Wilms tumor research has shown significant quantitative and thematic growth over recent decades. However, notable gaps remain, particularly in genomics-based personalized treatments and multi-omics studies. The findings provide actionable insights for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare institutions to optimize scientific strategies, promote international collaboration, and focus on underexplored areas in pediatric oncology research.
Practical Implications of Research
New research on Wilms tumor in children is urgently needed due to rapid scientific turnover. Research centers should focus on international and collaborative studies using AI and machine learning. Priority areas include low-incidence epidemiology, long-term outcomes, and discovery of predictive biomarkers.