Dietary Fiber and Cancer Management: A Twenty-Five-Year Bibliometric Review of Research Trends and Directions

Abstract

Background: The global burden of cancer necessitates innovative approaches to its management and treatment. Traditional treatments like radiotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy, carry significant side effects that impact patient quality of life. Dietary fiber has attracted research interest as a potential mitigator of cancer progression and a supportive agent in cancer treatment. This bibliometric study analyzes trends in research connecting dietary fiber, cancer therapy, and gut health from April 1999 to May 2024. Methods and Results: Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases were used to retrieve peer-reviewed publications from April 1999 to May 2024 on dietary fiber and cancer management. The study identifies a rising scholarly interest in dietary fiber’s role in cancer management, focusing significantly on the interactions between dietary fiber and gut microbiota. These interactions are particularly noted for their influence on inflammation and cancer metastasis. The study highlights evolving research themes, the importance of specific fiber types in cancer progression, and highlights persistent foundational themes like glycosylation. Emerging areas include personalized nutrition and innovative therapeutic approaches. The geographical and institutional contributions, mainly from the United States and China, underline the significance of collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts in advancing research. Conclusion: This analysis emphasizes integrating dietary strategies in comprehensive cancer care and aims to address research gaps to develop more effective and patient-centered cancer therapy and prevention strategies.