Anti-Cancer Drugs: Trends and Insights from PubMed Records

Background: In recent years, there has been an exponential growth in global anti-cancer drug research, prompting the necessity for comprehensive analyses of publi- cation output and thematic shifts. Methods: This study utilized a comprehensive set of PubMed records from 1962 to 2024 and examined growth patterns, content classification, and co-occurrence of key pharmacological and molecular terms. Results: Our results highlight an exponential rise in publications, with an annual compound growth rate of over 14%, influenced by advancements in digital knowledge sharing and novel therapeutic breakthroughs. A pronounced surge occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting a sustained shift in research dynamics. The content analyses revealed a strong emphasis on classical chemotherapeutic agents—often studied in combination with targeted therapies or immunotherapies—and a growing focus on immune checkpoint inhibitors and vaccine plat- forms. Furthermore, co-occurrence networks indicated robust links between chemotherapy and supportive care, as well as emerging synergies between immuno-oncology, precision medicine approaches. Conclusions: Our study suggests that while novel modalities are reshaping treatment paradigms, chemotherapy remains central, underscoring the value of integrative regimens. This trend toward personalized, combination-based strategies indi- cates a transformative era in oncology research, where multidimensional data assessment is instrumental in guiding future therapeutic innovations.