A Decade of Interventional Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy): Progress, Challenges, and Future Prospects – A Bibliometric Analysis

: BackgroundInterventional radiotherapy (IRT), also known as brachytherapy, has become a cornerstone of radiation oncology due to its ability to maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects to surrounding tissues. This bibliometric analysis aims to examine the evolution of IRT over the past decade.Material and MethodsA string comprising IRT-related keywords was developed, and data were extracted from the Scopus database for English-language documents published between January 2014 and December 2024. The analysis was performed using Bibliometrix packageResultsA total of 15 755 documents from 2150 sources were analyzed, revealing an average annual growth rate of 1.03%. Publication trends were stable from 2014 to 2018, surged from 2019, and peaked in 2021, with subsequent levels remaining above pre-2019 figures. Original articles accounted for 72.7% of the literature, with key contributions from journals such as "Brachytherapy" and the "Journal of Contemporary Brachytherapy". The analysis highlighted strong collaborative networks, with significant input from North American and European institutions, and identified focal research themes including uterine cervical cancer and prostate brachytherapy. Emerging topics, such as deep learning, artificial intelligence, and personalized dosimetry, underscore the field's shift towards precision medicine.ConclusionsThe findings reflect IRT's dynamic research landscape and its growing integration into modern oncologic practice, emphasizing the need for continued interdisciplinary efforts and clinical trials to advance this minimally invasive treatment modality further.Highlights• A decade-long bibliometric analysis of 15 755 publications on interventional radiotherapy (IRT) reveals stable growth, with a notable surge in research activity post-2019.• Uterine, cervical, and prostate cancers remain the most studied clinical indications for IRT globally.• North American and European institutions dominate collaborative networks, reflecting the strength of transatlantic research partnerships.• Emerging research themes include artificial intelligence, deep learning, and personalized dosimetry-marking a transition toward precision oncology.• The field's evolving landscape highlights the increasing clinical and scientific significance of IRT in contemporary cancer care.