Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42232552›Full record

SynthesisFrontiers in oncology2026

Applying transformer-based deep learning models in image-driven cancer diagnosis: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research trends.

Liyue Gong, Tingxiao Wen, Xu Zeng, Xiaoying Liu, Mengdan Li, Jianwei Sun, Jing Zheng

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Frontiers in oncology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Liyue GongLibrary, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China.
Tingxiao WenSchool of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Xu ZengShenzhen Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
Xiaoying LiuLibrary, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Mengdan LiLibrary, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China.
Jianwei SunShenzhen Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
Jing ZhengShenzhen Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background/objectives: The transformer, introduced in 2017, has revolutionized several fields, including oncology. Its applications in cancer detection, diagnosis, prognosis prediction and treatment have shown significant potential. However, a comprehensive analysis of the global research trends and future directions in image-driven cancer diagnosis is lacking. Methods: We conducted a bibliometric analysis using CiteSpace and VOSviewer to explore the development of transformer applications in image-driven cancer diagnosis(TICD). A total of 2923 papers published between 2017 and 2026 were analyzed, with early access papers from 2026 included. We examined publication trends, international collaboration, and citation patterns to identify research hotspots and emerging directions. Results: The number of publications on transformer applications in image-driven cancer diagnosis has rapidly increased, with a notable surge beginning in 2022. China and the United States are the leading contributors to the field, with high levels of international collaboration. The primary research focuses on the application of transformer-based models for image classification, segmentation, and enhancement. Their development is moving toward lightweight design, interpretability, multimodal fusion, and low annotation dependence. However, while the volume of publications is increasing, the impact (measured by citation counts) varies across countries and institutions. Conclusions: The field of TICD is in a robust growth phase, attracting significant attention from global researchers, particularly from China and the United states. While international collaboration is prevalent, the field faces challenges regarding the generalizability and scalability of research findings. Future research should focus on translating these promising technologies into clinical practice, ensuring that they are adaptable and applicable in diverse oncology contexts.

Indexed as

deep learningdiagnosisimageoncologytransformer

Identifiers

PMID42232552
PMCPMC13223137

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.