A scientometric and visualization analysis of studies on arsenic for acute promyelocytic leukemia

Introduction: The use of arsenic for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has a long history. However, a systematic scientometric study to describe these studies and to explore their research status and development trends has not been carried out. Methods: CNKI and Web of Science databases were searched from their inception to June 13, 2021 to identify suitable articles. Knowledge network maps of identified studies focusing on authors, institutions, keywords and their references were summmarised. Results: 3095 articles published between 1996 and 2021 showed an overall fluctuating trend in growth of articles. Main institutions conducting research were Harbin Medical University and Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine. The main research team working outside of China was located at the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Research hotspots included efficacy evaluation of arsenic alone or in combination with retinoic acid, mechanism study of apoptosis, RARa, activation, growth inhibition, expression etc. The current research hot topics were APL differentiation syndrome and drug resistance. Chinese patent medicine compound Huangdai tablets, arsenous acid and all-trans retinoic acid were the main drugs. The types of highly cited and burst studies were landmark case series, well-designed RCTs, comprehensive reviews, and authoritative APL guidelines. Conclusion: Articles on the use of arsenic for APL have fluctuated in growth since 1996. The themes have focused on clinical efficacy and mechanism of arsenic and its action. The APL differentiation syndrome and drug resistance are disease research hotspots. The compound Huangdai tablets, arsenious acid and all-trans retinoic acid are potentially the main focus for drugs now and in the future.

Automated summary

This study provides an overview of the development trends in research on the use of arsenic for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The clinical efficacy and mechanism of arsenic treatment for APL have been the main focuses of research, while the APL differentiation syndrome and drug resistance are the current hotspots. Huangdai tablets, arsenious acid, and all-trans retinoic acid are identified as the main drugs of interest in this field.